HISTORICAL CHRONOLOGY

On This Day in History

Discover key historical events within the Genesis range (1950–2049) that occurred on this calendar day, and claim their commemorative registry plaques.

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Historical chronology for May 20

May 20

7 historical milestones registered between 1950 and 2049

May 20, 1965 AVAILABLE

While attempting to land at Cairo International Airport, Pakistan International Airlines Flight 705 crashed for unknown reasons, killing all but 6 of the 121 people on board.

Wikipedia: Cairo International Airport
Cairo International Airport
May 20, 1983 AVAILABLE

A team of researchers led by French virologist Luc Montagnier published their discovery of HIV, but were not then certain that it caused AIDS.

Wikipedia: Virology
Virology
May 20, 1993 AVAILABLE

"One for the Road", the series finale of American television sitcom Cheers, was watched by 42.4 million American households on its original airing.

Wikipedia: One for the Road (Cheers)
May 20, 1996 AVAILABLE

In deciding Romer v. Evans, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a constitutional amendment in Colorado that prevented protected status under the law for homosexuals or bisexuals.

Wikipedia: Romer v. Evans
May 20, 2012 AVAILABLE

The first of two major earthquakes struck Northern Italy, resulting in seven deaths.

Wikipedia: 2012 Northern Italy earthquakes
2012 Northern Italy earthquakes
May 20, 2013 AVAILABLE

A tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, United States, killing 24 people and causing an estimated $2 billion of damage.

Wikipedia: 2013 Moore tornado
2013 Moore tornado
May 20, 2022 AVAILABLE

Russo-Ukrainian war: Russia claimed full control of Mariupol after a nearly three-month siege.

Wikipedia: Russo-Ukrainian war
Russo-Ukrainian war