Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci was born in Vinci, Republic of Florence. Painter, sculptor, architect, musician, mathematician, engineer, and scientist — he is widely regarded as the greatest polymath in history.

The RMS Titanic, on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, struck an iceberg and sank in the North Atlantic Ocean, killing more than 1,500 of the 2,224 people aboard.

Ray Kroc opened the first franchised McDonald's restaurant in Des Plaines, Illinois, beginning the global fast-food empire that would become one of the most recognisable brands in human history.

A devastating fire engulfed Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, destroying the iconic spire and much of the roof. Hundreds of millions of euros in donations were pledged within days for its restoration.