Exploring conquest, discovery, conflict, art, and archaeological wonders
Today we journey through time to explore five remarkable events that occurred on March 29th throughout history. From Viking raids to archaeological discoveries, these moments have left lasting impacts on our world.
1845 – Viking Siege of Paris
Historical Context
On March 29, 845, Paris faced one of its most devastating attacks when Viking raiders, likely led by the legendary Ragnar Lodbrok, sacked the city. This raid was part of a larger pattern of Viking expansion and conquest throughout Europe during the 9th century. The Vikings, known for their superior naval technology and fierce fighting skills, sailed up the Seine River with a fleet of 120 ships, catching the Frankish defenders unprepared.
Significance
The Viking siege of Paris marked a turning point in European history, demonstrating the vulnerability of even major inland cities to Norse raiders. King Charles the Bald, unable to defend the city militarily, was forced to pay an enormous ransom of 7,000 pounds of silver to save Paris from complete destruction. This event accelerated the development of defensive fortifications throughout Western Europe and contributed to the feudal system’s growth as local lords took responsibility for protection. The raid also had profound psychological impacts, reinforcing Viking reputation for ferocity and contributing to their mythological status in European consciousness.
1912 – Captain Scott’s Final Diary Entry
Historical Context
On March 29, 1912, British explorer Captain Robert Falcon Scott made the final entry in his diary while storm-bound in a tent near the South Pole. Scott and his team had reached the South Pole on January 17, 1912, only to discover that Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen had beaten them by about a month. On their return journey, Scott and his companions—Edward Wilson, Henry Bowers, Lawrence Oates, and Edgar Evans—faced extreme weather conditions, dwindling supplies, and deteriorating health. Evans had already died in February, and Oates had walked out into a blizzard in mid-March, sacrificing himself to give the others a chance.
Significance
Scott’s expedition and tragic end became one of the most famous stories in the history of polar exploration. His final diary entries, discovered when a search party found the bodies eight months later, provided a poignant account of courage and endurance in the face of certain death. The expedition, despite its failure to be first at the South Pole, collected valuable scientific data and specimens that advanced our understanding of Antarctica. Scott’s story transformed him into a British national hero whose legacy inspired generations of explorers and scientists. His final words, “For God’s sake look after our people,” reflected his concern for the families of his team members and became emblematic of leadership and sacrifice.
1973 – Last US Troops Leave Vietnam
Historical Context
On March 29, 1973, the last American combat troops departed Vietnam, marking the end of direct U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War. This withdrawal came two months after the signing of the Paris Peace Accords between North Vietnam, South Vietnam, and the United States. The agreement called for a complete withdrawal of U.S. forces, the return of American prisoners of war, and a ceasefire between North and South Vietnam. The war had lasted nearly nine years since the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution in 1964, which had authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to use military force in Southeast Asia.
Significance
The withdrawal of American troops from Vietnam represented a pivotal moment in U.S. history, effectively ending America’s longest war at that time. The conflict had deeply divided American society, sparked massive anti-war protests, and cost over 58,000 American lives and an estimated 2-3 million Vietnamese lives. The war’s conclusion without a clear victory fundamentally altered American foreign policy and military doctrine, creating what became known as the “Vietnam Syndrome”—a reluctance to engage in foreign military interventions. The conflict also transformed American politics, journalism, and popular culture, with its effects still resonating in discussions about military engagement, government transparency, and the limits of American power.
1974 – Discovery of the Terracotta Army
Historical Context
On March 29, 1974, local farmers digging a well near Xi’an in Shaanxi Province, China, made one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century—the Terracotta Army. What began as a routine well-digging operation revealed fragments of life-sized clay figures, leading to the unearthing of thousands of terracotta warriors, horses, chariots, and weapons. These statues had been buried in three massive pits to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who died in 210 BCE. Each soldier was unique, with different facial features, expressions, hairstyles, and clothing details.
Significance
The discovery of the Terracotta Army revolutionized our understanding of ancient Chinese history and Qin dynasty craftsmanship. The scale and sophistication of this 2,200-year-old funerary art demonstrated the extraordinary power and resources commanded by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who unified China and initiated the construction of the Great Wall. The site has become one of China’s most important cultural treasures and a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting millions of visitors annually. Archaeologically, the discovery provided unprecedented insights into ancient Chinese military organization, weaponry, and artistic techniques. The ongoing excavation continues to yield new findings, with experts estimating that the majority of the emperor’s vast mausoleum complex remains unexplored.
1959 – Premiere of “Some Like It Hot”
Historical Context
On March 29, 1959, the comedy film “Some Like It Hot,” directed by Billy Wilder and starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, premiered at Loew’s Capitol Theatre in New York City. Set in 1929 during the Prohibition era, the film follows two musicians (Curtis and Lemmon) who witness the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre and disguise themselves as women to escape gangsters by joining an all-female band. There they meet Sugar Kane (Monroe), the band’s vocalist and ukulele player. Despite the Production Code Administration’s objections to the film’s themes of cross-dressing, homosexuality, and suggestive dialogue, Wilder refused to make substantial changes.
Significance
“Some Like It Hot” is now considered one of the greatest comedy films ever made, ranking first on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 funniest American films. The film challenged social norms and censorship restrictions of the 1950s with its bold approach to gender roles and sexuality. Its commercial and critical success helped weaken the strict Production Code that had governed Hollywood since the 1930s, paving the way for more mature and complex filmmaking in American cinema. The performances of Monroe, Curtis, and Lemmon have become iconic, with Lemmon’s work earning him an Academy Award nomination. The film’s famous closing line—”Nobody’s perfect”—has entered the cultural lexicon as one of cinema’s most memorable endings, encapsulating the film’s themes of acceptance and identity.
