On this day in 41 AD Roman Emperor Caligula was assassinated by his disgruntled Praetorian Guards, who then proclaimed Caligula’s uncle Claudius as Emperor.

Born on this day in 1732 playwright Pierre-Augustin Beaumarchais

Born on this day in 1746 patron, librettist and operatic inspiration Gustavus III

Born on this day in 1776 composer, writer and operatic inspiration E T A Hoffmann

Born on this day in 1891 bass-baritone Jaro Prohaska

Born on this day in 1905 mezzo-soprano Elena Nicolai

Born on this day in 1913 composer Norman Dello Joio

Born on this day in 1918 composer Gottfried von Einem

Born on this day in 1919 composer and conductor Leon Kirchner

Happy 84th birthday contralto Birgit Finnilä