Charles the Good Is Assassinated (1127)

As count of Flanders from 1119 until his death, Charles the Good strove to help the poor, distributing bread in times of famine and working to ensure that grain was sold to them at a fair price. Angered by this policy, one influential family had Charles hacked to death while in church. The popular count’s brutal murder provoked public outrage, and though he was not formally beatified until the 19th century, he was almost immediately regarded popularly as a martyr. What became of his murderers? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Texas Independence Day

A legal holiday in Texas, March 2 commemorates both the convention at Washington-on-the-Brazos held on this day in 1836, when delegates prepared for the separation of Texas from Mexico, and the birthday of Sam Houston (1793-1863), who led the Texans to victory over the Mexicans in the Battle of San Jacinto. Texas is the only state to celebrate independence from a country other than England. This period in Texas history, beginning with the Washington-on-the-Brazos convention and ending with Sam Houston’s victory at San Jacinto, is celebrated each year during “Texas Week.” Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Sholem Aleichem (1859)

One of the great Yiddish writers, Aleichem is best known for his humorous tales of life among the poverty-ridden and oppressed Russian Jews of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His works include five novels, many plays, and some 300 short stories. In the last years of his life, Aleichem lived in the US and died in New York City, where, through his work, he helped to found the Yiddish Art Theater. Many of his works have been adapted for the stage, most notably what musical? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Pandora

According to Greek mythology, Zeus ordered that the first woman, Pandora, be created as a punishment to humankind for Prometheus’s theft of fire. The gods endowed her with every charm, but also with curiosity and deceit. Zeus sent her to marry Prometheus’s brother, Epimetheus, and gave her a box that he forbade her to open. Despite Prometheus’s warnings, Epimetheus allowed Pandora to open the box, letting out all the evils that have since afflicted man. What alone remained inside the box? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Rio de Janeiro Is Founded (1565)

With a population of about 6 million, Rio de Janeiro is the second largest city and former capital of Brazil, as well as the country’s cultural center and a commercial, communications, and transportation hub. It has one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbors, surrounded by low mountain ranges whose spurs extend almost to the waterside, dividing the city. Among its natural landmarks are Sugar Loaf Mountain and Corcovado peak. Rio was popularized by the hit song about the girl from where? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Chalanda Marz

In Engadine, located in the Inn River valley of eastern Switzerland, the arrival of spring is celebrated with the ringing of bells. Young people put on herdsmen’s costumes with wide leather belts from which they hang as many cowbells as they can collect. Smaller bells hang from their necks or are strapped across their chests. They go from house to house, clanging their bells to scare off winter and serenading people with traditional spring songs; often, they are rewarded with cakes, apples, or eggs. An evening feast is made out of the food. Afterward, there are games and dancing. Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Frédéric Chopin (1810)

Chopin was a Polish composer and one of the great masters of Romantic music. He published his first composition at age seven and began performing at eight. He moved to Paris when he was 21 and became a celebrity with his first concert the following year. Among the most significant composers in the history of the piano, Chopin’s innovations in fingering, use of the pedals, and general treatment of the keyboard were highly influential. With what French writer did he have a long relationship? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary

Amenhotep III

Amenhotep III, 9th pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, ruled Egypt during the 14th c BCE. He enjoys the distinction of having the largest number of surviving statues depicting his likeness of any Egyptian pharaoh; these include the Colossi of Memnon, 2 massive stone statues built at the gateway of his mortuary temple. His lengthy reign saw a period of unprecedented prosperity and artistic splendor. As pharaoh, Amenhotep elevated 2 of his daughters to the role of Great Royal Wife, a title meaning what? Discuss

Source: The Free Dictionary