French explorer and ecologist, Jacques-Yves Cousteau, died at the age of 86. He was one of the most famous explorers and oceanographers in history. The documentaries of his explorations aboard the Calypso have been viewed by millions of people around the world. He was also the co-inventor of the aqua-lung.

20 people were killed in a terrorist attack on the Khobar Towers residence in Saudi Arabia. Overall 19 US servicemen and one Saudi citizen were killed, and more than 350 more injured.

Croatia and Slovenia declared their independence from Yugoslavia.

French philosopher, Michel Foucault, died at the age of 57.

Mozambique achieved its independence from Portugal.

The first global satellite television programme 'Our World' went on the air.

Congolese basketball player, Dikembe Mutombo, was born in Kinshasa. He is generally regarded as one of the greatest shot blockers and defensive players of all time.

British singer, George Michael, was born in Hertfordshire. His birth name was Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou and is of Cypriot descend.

The Korean War began.

British writer, George Orwell, was born in Bihar, India. He was born Eric Arthur Blair and used George Orwell as his pen name. He is considered as one of the best English language writers of the 20th century. His most famous books are Animal Farm and 1984.

Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi, was born in Riudoms. Though he received little acceptance during his lifetime, he is now considered as one of Spain's greatest architects.

German composer, Georg Philipp Telemann, died at the age of 85. He is widely considered as one of the most prolific composers in history, and probably the most successful composer during his lifetime.