TUESDAY, Jan. 13, 2026

532-Nika riots begin in Constantinople, a revolt against Byzantine Emperor Justinian I that leaves half the city burned and thousands dead. The riots were prompted by the failed execution of chariot racing supporters and only stopped after Empress Theodora refused to flee, forcing her husband to act decisively.

1888-The National Geographic Society is founded in Washington, D.C. for "the increase and diffusion of geographic knowledge" [1]

1908-Henri Farman becomes the first person to fly an observed circuit of more than 1km, winning the Grand Prix d'Aviation

1943-Adolf Hitler declares "Total War" against the Allies

1970-Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu flees Biafra into exile, leaving his deputy Philip Effiong to surrender to the Nigerian army, unofficially ending the Nigerian Civil War

2000-Microsoft chairman Bill Gates steps aside as chief executive and promotes company president Steve Ballmer to the position