[Amnorix]

March 2.

1071. On an uncertain date in March, 1071, Byzantine Emperor Romanus IV Diogenes personally led an army of 40,000-70,000 troops of mixed nationality out of the gates of Constantinople across the straits and into Anatolia. His object was to suppress the ongoing raids of nomadic tribes of Turkmen who were being directed into the Byzantine lands by the Seljuk Turks in Baghdad and consistently raiding the Christian occupants of the land. In five months, this army would be engaged in the Battle of Manzikert, one of the most significant battles in human history.

1807. By act of Congress, the importation of slaves into the United States is prohibited.

1861. Tsar Alexander II of Russia prohibits slavery, abolishing serfdom in Russia, and leaving the United States as the the last developed nation to engage in the practice.

1933. The film King Kong premiers at Radio City Music Hall.

1949. Captain James Gallagher lands his B-50 Superfortress after completing the first non-stop round-the-world flight in 94 hours and one minute.

1962. Wilt Chamberlain scores 100. The game, between the Warriors and Knicks, was never officially finished after fans storm the court after Wilt scored his 100th point.