History of 13th June – Voyage, Treaty & Suit
Dive into the captivating history of June 13th, featuring the remarkable journeys of Pioneer 10 spacecraft, Ibn Battuta’s epic expedition, and the oldest treaty in existence. Discover the triumphs of human exploration and the enduring alliances that shaped our world.
Before I share the history of 13th June, let me tell you an interesting fact about this day. Did you know that it was on the 13th of June 1983 when NASA’s Pioneer 10 spacecraft became the first craft to exit the solar system?
Pioneer 10 was the first spacecraft to traverse the asteroid belt and make a flyby of Jupiter, providing valuable data on the gas giant and its moons. Launched on March 2, 1972, Pioneer 10 was the first spacecraft to achieve escape velocity from the Solar System and enter interstellar space.
Pioneer 10 carried a plaque designed to serve as a message to any extraterrestrial life that might encounter the spacecraft in the future. The plaque depicted a man and a woman, along with various symbols and information about our location in the galaxy. It was last heard from in 2003, 7.6 billion miles from Earth. Pioneer 10 has now traveled over 12 billion miles away from Earth.
While Pioneer 10 is hopefully still traveling let us talk about another travel, but this time it is from the past.
Ibn Battuta historic journey
The history of 13th June takes us to the year 1325. It was this day when Ibn Battuta a renowned Moroccan explorer and scholar, set out from his hometown of Tangiers to embark on a voyage that would last an astonishing 24 years and take him to various parts of the known world.
Ibn Battuta was a man who had a strong desire to explore and seek knowledge about different cultures, people, and lands. He was also motivated by his deep faith in Islam, which propelled him to undertake the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
Accompanied by a small group of fellow pilgrims, Ibn Battuta embarked on a journey that would prove to be much more than a religious pilgrimage. He would become one of history’s greatest travelers, covering more than 75,000 miles and visiting over 40 modern-day countries, including North Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and even parts of China.
Throughout his travels, Ibn Battuta recorded his experiences and observations in a detailed account known as “Rihla” or “The Travels.” This remarkable travelogue provides invaluable insights into the medieval world, including cultural practices, political landscapes, economic systems, and the diverse societies he encountered.
His travels continued for over two decades, surpassing his original plan to complete the Hajj pilgrimage. Ibn Battuta’s insatiable thirst for exploration led him to venture further, driven by a desire to witness the marvels of the world and expand his knowledge. His extraordinary journey stands as a testament to the human spirit of curiosity, discovery, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Anyone interested know the culture and lifestyle during those times can read the book, it is a masterpiece. As of now, I come to my next story from the history of 13th June.
World’s oldest treaty
On the 18th of February 2022, India signed a bilateral treaty with UAE known as India – UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). But this story is not about that. Do you know which is the oldest treaty in the world? Well to know that read my second story from the history of 13th June. It was in the year 1373 when the Anglo – Portuguese Treaty of Perpetual Alliance was signed in London. This treaty holds the distinction of being the oldest treaty still in existence today.
The Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of Perpetual Alliance was signed between King Edward III of England and King Ferdinand I of Portugal. The reason for this treaty was the fact that during the 14th century, the nations of Europe were undergoing significant political and social transformations. England, under the rule of King Edward III, was a rising power, while Portugal, led by King Ferdinand I, was embarking on an era of exploration and discovery. The Portuguese had already made significant advancements in maritime exploration under the leadership of Prince Henry the Navigator, and their thirst for discovery created the perfect opportunity for an alliance with England.
The Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of Perpetual Alliance held immense strategic and economic significance for both parties involved. For Portugal, the alliance provided a much-needed safeguard against potential Castilian aggression, as the Castilian Kingdom posed a constant threat to Portugal’s sovereignty. On the other hand, England sought to strengthen its position in Europe and gain access to Portuguese trade routes, which would open up new avenues for commerce and wealth accumulation.
The key Provisions of the Treaty were as follows.
Mutual Defense: The treaty established a formal military alliance between England and Portugal. Both parties pledged to provide military support to each other in the event of an attack by a third party, ensuring the mutual defense of their territories.
Trade and Commerce: The treaty facilitated the expansion of trade and commerce between England and Portugal. It included provisions for mutual economic cooperation, favorable trade conditions, and the removal of trade barriers. This fostered an atmosphere of economic growth and facilitated the exchange of goods and knowledge.
Territorial Integrity: The treaty recognized and respected the territorial boundaries of both nations, reinforcing Portugal’s sovereignty and security. It effectively deterred any territorial ambitions from neighboring powers.
Succession: The treaty addressed the issue of succession, guaranteeing that the alliance would continue even after the death of the reigning monarchs. This provision solidified the longevity and continuity of the alliance between England and Portugal, enabling it to endure for over six centuries.
The Anglo-Portuguese Treaty of Perpetual Alliance laid the groundwork for an enduring partnership that has lasted for more than 650 years. The treaty not only established a formal alliance between the two nations but also created a framework for future collaborations. Over the centuries, the alliance between England and Portugal proved vital in multiple historical events, including the Age of Discovery, the Napoleonic Wars, and both World Wars.
Furthermore, the treaty paved the way for cultural and scientific exchanges between the two nations. Portuguese navigators and explorers shared their knowledge and discoveries with the English, contributing to the development of European cartography and maritime expertise. This intellectual exchange influenced future generations of explorers, scientists, and scholars.
In today’s episode, we have traveled from historic travel to treaties. You must be tired. Let’s dive deep into the water and swim a bit to relax. But how will you dive without a diving suit? No worries Leonard Norcross has already given us a solution. My third and final story from the history of 13th June.
Submarine diving suit
On this day, June 13, 1777, an inventor by the name of Leonard Norcross was granted a patent for his pioneering invention, a submarine diving suit. This suit was designed to provide a safe and functional apparatus for individuals to explore the depths of the underwater world. The suit consisted of a watertight garment constructed from durable materials that allowed divers to descend below the surface and withstand the immense pressure exerted by the surrounding water. The suit was equipped with a helmet that featured transparent glass or mica windows, enabling the diver to have a clear view of the underwater environment. The helmet was also designed to maintain a steady supply of fresh air, ensuring the diver could breathe comfortably while submerged.
Furthermore, the suit included various valves and air-pumping mechanisms that facilitated the regulation of air pressure within the suit. This feature was crucial for maintaining the integrity of the suit and preventing discomfort or injury to the diver during ascent and descent.
That’s all for today. Hope you all enjoyed today’s episode. See you all tomorrow.
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