3 days after a group of terrorists of took approximately 1200 children and adults hostage in a school in the town of Beslan in North Ossetia, Russia the stand off was broken when the terrorists and Russian forces engaged each other. 344 hostages died in the battle.

Russia and China mutually agreed to stop targeting their nuclear weapons against each other. The ideology split between the two countries had lasted since the mid 1950's.

American film director, Frank Capra, died at the age of 94. He was a highly celebrated director of American cinema, with a career that spanned over 35 years and about 37 motion pictures.

Greek actress, Ellie Lambeti, died at the age of 57. She was one of the most celebrated actress in Greece, with a career that spanned almost 40 years.

American actor, Charlie Sheen, was born in New York City. He was born Carlos Irwin Estevez, and is the son of actor Martin Sheen, as well as the brother of actors Emilio Estevez, Ramon Estevez Jr. and Renee Estevez.

A cholera epidemic broke out in Egypt which cost the life of over 7000 people.

Allied forces invaded mainland Italy for the first time since the beginning of the second world war.

France, England, New Zealand, and Australia officially declared war on Germany.

Greek actress, Irene Papas, was born in Chiliomodi, Corinth, Greece.

Austrian automotive engineer, Ferdinand Porsche, was born Mattersdorf, Bohemia. He is is best remembered for his design of the original Volkswagen Beetle and for his contributions to advanced German tank design. He also founded the sports car manufacturing company with the same name.

The Treaty of Paris was signed by the United States and the Kingdom of Great Britain, effectively ending the American Revolutionary War. By the terms of the treaty Great Britain recognized the thirteen colonies that had rebelled against it as free and sovereign States. Delaware was not included in the treaty due to an omission error.

Lord Protector of England, Oliver Cromwell, died at the age of 57. Along with his son Richard Cromwell, he was the only commoner ever to have been the Head of State of England. He was the first man in history successfully to unite England, Scotland and Ireland under one rule. His body was exhumed and he was posthumously executed after the restoration of the monarchy 2 years after his death.

Richard the 1st of England, known throughout history as Richard 'the Lionhearted', was crowned king at Westminster. He led the third crusade to free Jerusalem, a goal never achieved, although he was able to negotiate the permitance of unarmed christian muslims into the city.

The city-nation of San Marino, one of the smallest nations in the world and the world's oldest republic still in existence, was founded by Saint Marinus.