Stockholm Syndrome Born: Hostages Bond with Captors
Jan-Erik Olsson's botched bank robbery in Stockholm sparked a psychological phenomenon where hostages developed intense loyalty toward their captors rather than fear of them. This Stockholm Syndrome emerged as Kristin Emmark and others defended the robbers, blaming police tactics for escalating the danger instead of identifying with law enforcement. The event permanently altered hostage negotiation strategies by compelling authorities to recognize how trauma can bind victims to their abductors.
August 23, 1973
53 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on August 23
After conquering Egypt, Octavian (the future Augustus) ordered the execution of both Marcus Antonius Antyllus, the eldest son of Marc Antony, and Caesarion, the…
Augustus used the Ludi Volcanalici — games held in the precinct of Vulcan's temple — to celebrate Rome's diplomatic triumph over Parthia and the return of the l…
Mount Vesuvius erupted on the feast day of Vulcan, burying Pompeii and Herculaneum under layers of volcanic ash and pumice. This sudden catastrophe perfectly pr…
Roman general Stilicho defeated the Gothic king Radagaisus in 406 AD, executing him and absorbing 12,000 of his warriors into the Roman army or selling them int…
The Germanic chieftain Odoacer was proclaimed King of Italy by his troops in 476 AD, after deposing the last Western Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustulus. Historia…
Abu Bakr, the first caliph of Islam and closest companion of the Prophet Muhammad, died in Medina in 634 AD after just two years of leadership. He was succeeded…
Talk to History
Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.