Leningrad Liberated: 900-Day Siege of Starvation Ends
Soviet forces finally broke the Nazi siege of Leningrad after nearly 900 days that killed an estimated one million civilians through starvation, disease, and bombardment. The siege stands as the deadliest blockade in human history, with Leningraders reduced to eating wallpaper paste and leather belts to survive. The liberation restored supply lines to the starving city and began the Soviet offensive that would push German forces back toward Berlin.
January 18, 1944
82 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on January 18
Roman aristocrats in Gaul proclaimed General Magnentius emperor, directly challenging the unpopular rule of Constans. This usurpation triggered a brutal civil w…
The emperor's own bodyguard turned assassin. Magnentius, a burly Frankish general with a reputation for brutality, didn't just overthrow Constans—he murdered hi…
A seven-year-old emperor? Barely old enough to read, yet wearing imperial purple. Leo II inherited the Byzantine throne through pure bloodline, but his moment o…
Leo II's brief reign as Byzantine emperor ended swiftly, but it highlighted the instability of imperial power during a tumultuous period in the empire's history…
The Byzantine emperor's back was against the wall. Justinian I faced total overthrow as chariot racing fans—divided into rival "Blue" and "Green" fan factions—s…
Emperor Huizong abdicated the Song Dynasty throne to his son, Qinzong, in a desperate attempt to shift responsibility for the encroaching Jurchen Jin army. This…
Talk to History
Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.