Human Saga

On November 18

No pivotal events are recorded on exactly November 18 in the Human Saga — here is the surrounding week in history.

This week in history (Nov 15 – Nov 21)

In 794 CE, Emperor Kanmu moved the imperial court from Nagaoka-kyo to a newly built capital named Heian-kyo, the "Capital of Peace and Tranquility," on the site of modern Kyoto.

17 November 1869Opening of the Suez CanalScience, technology & invention

The Suez Canal, a 100-mile waterway linking the Mediterranean and Red seas across the Isthmus of Suez, opened to navigation on 17 November 1869 after a decade of construction overseen by Ferdinand de Lesseps and the Suez Canal Company.

15 November 1884 – 26 February 1885Berlin Conference and the partition of AfricaPolitics & governance

The Berlin West Africa Conference, convened by German chancellor Otto von Bismarck and held from 15 November 1884 to 26 February 1885, brought together fourteen states — twelve European powers, the Ottoman Empire and the United States to…

20 November 1542The New Laws and the debate over the encomiendaPolitics & governance

Spanish colonisation rested heavily on the encomienda, a grant entitling a colonist to extract labour and tribute from indigenous communities in return for nominal protection and religious instruction, a system that in practice often…

21 November 1806Berlin Decree and the Continental SystemEconomy & trade

On 21 November 1806, from occupied Berlin, Napoleon issued a decree declaring the British Isles under blockade and prohibiting all trade and correspondence with Britain across territories under French control.

Get today's card / Share →