Today is Tuesday, August 10, the 222nd day of 2010. There are 143 days left in the year.

On this date

In 1566, iconoclastic riots by fanatical Calvinists break out in the Netherlands.

In 1627, French forces under Cardinal Richelieu begin siege of La Rochelle, held by Huguenots. Three-quarters of its inhabitants die of starvation during the 15-month siege.

In 1628, the Swedish warship Vasa capsizes in Stockholm harbour on its maiden voyage. It is raised in 1961.

In 1664, the Truce of Vasvar ends war between Turkey and Holy Roman Empire, whereby rival armies are to withdraw from Transylvania.

In 1680, Pueblo Indians launched a successful revolt against Spanish colonists in present-day New Mexico.

In 1741, Prussia's King Frederick II takes Breslau in Poland.

In 1787, Turkey declares war on Russia, fearing designs on Georgia.

In 1792, the French monarchy is overthrown when mobs attacked the Tuileries Palace, where King Louis XVI resided. The king was later arrested, put on trial for treason, and executed.

In 1842, Lord Ashley's Mine Act prohibits women and children under ten from working underground in Britain.

In 1897, a young researcher at German chemical firm Bayer, Felix Hoffman, first synthesizes acetylsalicylic acid, aspirin's active ingredient.

In 1904, Japan's navy cripples Russian fleet off Port Arthur.

In 1913, Bulgaria gives up its claim to Macedonia in a peace treaty signed in Bucharest, ending Second Balkan War. Tensions remain in the region, exploding a year later in the First World War.

In 1914, France declares war on Austria-Hungary at the start of the First World War.

In 1919, Anglo-White Russian forces defeat Soviet forces in North Dvina.

In 1945, Japan offers to surrender if Emperor Hirohito is permitted to keep his throne.

In 1996, Chechen rebels drive back Russian troops from the centre of Grozny and withstand barrages of Russian aircraft and artillery fire.

In 1969, Leno and Rosemary LaBianca were murdered in their Los Angeles home by members of Charles Manson's cult, one day after actress Sharon Tate and four other people were slain.

Thought for Today

"A man may fulfil the object of his existence by asking a question he cannot answer, and attempting a task he cannot achieve." — Oliver Wendell Holmes, American author (1809-1894).