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As what did Albino Luciani have his month of glory in 1978?

He was Pope for a few weeks. Took the name John Paul I. Had shortest Pontificate in modern times: 34 days.

How did Matthias Rust make the headlines in May 1987?

Landed in Red Square, Moscow. It happened in the days of Mikhail Gorbachev. It was an excellent pretext for Gorby to get rid of the Minister of Defense: Sergei Sokolov. Rust was only 19 years old. His plane was a Cessna.

Who played the Dutch dancer Mata Hari in a film on her life and execution for spying in World War One?

Greta Garbo. Mata Hari (='Eye of the Day') was a courtesan and dancer of Dutch origins. She was born as Margaretha Geertruidea MacLeod, nee Zelle. She was born Aug.7,1876 and died Oct. 15, 1917.

What European town was called Vindobona by the Romans?

Vienna. Vindobona originally comes from Celtic for White Fields. Marcus Aurelius is supposed to have been killed in a battle near V.Boulogne, now an important French fishing-port. It was an important naval base to the Romans who called the place Bononia.

Where in France was Joan of Arc burned at the stake?

Rouen. Born at Domremy, she took her King to Reims for his official coronation. She was then taken prisoner by the Burgundians at Compiegne near Paris and handed over to the English enemy.

What country was called Caledonia by the Romans?

Scotland. The term Caledonia is still used in connection with the 'Canal' that links the Northsea with the North-Atlantic via Lochs Ness, Oich and Lochy.

What was the name of the famous antique road from Rome to Capua?

Via Appia. the road was begun by Censor Appus Claudius Caecus in 312 BC. It ran from Rome to Tarentum, on to Brundusium. Other important roads were: Via Flaminia and Via Aemilia.

In what popular French film did Shirley McLaine play a Parisian hooker?

Irma la Douce. 1963. - Billy Wilder was the film director.

1936: Who became a duke after abdication as king?

Edward VIII of Britain. He abdicated the throne and became Duke of Windsor rather than abandoning Wallis Simpson, a twice divorced American lady.

Who was the Conquistador that conquered Chile and founded the town of Santiago de Chile?

Pedro de Valdivia. He served with the Spanish army in Italy and Flanders before being sent to South America in 1534. During Peruvian Civil War, he fought with Pisarro against Diego de Almagro. In 154O he led a force of 150 Spaniards in Northern Chile. On Feb. 12,1541, he founded Santiago de Chile.