Historical events for
Monday, 17 August 2026

Pierre de Fermat was a French mathematician famous for his Fermat's Last Theorem, a conjecture that remained unproven for more than 350 years.

David Crockett, known as Davy Crockett, was an American folk hero and pioneer.

Mae West was a famous American actress and screenwriter, known for her audacious style and impact on the entertainment industry in the 1930s.

António Tomás Botto, Portuguese writer known for his lyrical work and his influence on Portuguese literature.

António Tomás Botto, Portuguese modernist poet. He stood out for his unique style and frank approach to homosexuality in his work, which generated great controversy in the conservative society of the time. Author of "Songs", "Aesthetic Curiosities" and "Death Bayonets". He was exiled to Brazil during the Estado Novo. He died in Lisbon on March 16, 1959, he was 61 years old, victim of being run over.

Marcelo Caetano was born in 1906 and was a Portuguese jurist and politician. He was the last President of the Government before April 25, 1974, being an important figure in the history of the Estado Novo.

Maureen O'Hara, born August 17, 1920, was a renowned Irish actress in Hollywood, known for films such as "How Green Was My Valley".

Chaleo Yoovidhya (born August 17, 1923, and died March 17, 2012) was a visionary Thai businessman. Creator of the energy drink Krating Daeng and co-founder of the global brand Red Bull, his commercial astuteness transformed a local tonic into an unprecedented global empire in the beverage sector.

Chaleo Yoovidhya, Thai businessman and co-founder of the energy drink Red Bull.

Robert de Niro is a renowned American actor and filmmaker, winner of several awards, including the Oscar, and known for his work in films such as “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull”.

Elba Ramalho, Brazilian singer and songwriter known for her contribution to Brazilian popular music.

Sean Penn is an award-winning American actor and director, known for his performances in films such as “Mystic River” and “Milk”, and for his political activism.

Darcy Wretzky, former bassist for the band Smashing Pumpkins, was born.

Thierry Henry (b. 1977) is a fast and lethal French footballer. A 1998 world champion, he became European football's most fearsome striker for Arsenal, redefining attacking intelligence and dynamism in the Premier League.

Commemoration of the victory of the Portuguese-British coalition over French forces in the Battle of Roliça, one of the first clashes of the Peninsular War.

In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte arrived on Saint Helena Island, where he was exiled after his final defeat.

Celebration of the founding of the Portuguese Basketball Federation, the body responsible for the development of basketball in Portugal.

Celebrates the premiere of the classic film “The Wizard of Oz”, one of the most iconic films in the history of cinema, known for its cultural and technical influence.

French President Charles De Gaulle commuted Pétain's death sentence to life imprisonment after World War II.

Day of Saint Mamede, Christian martyr venerated for his faith and sacrifice.

Day dedicated to Saint Hyacinth of Poland, a priest and saint venerated in Poland, known for his life of devotion and pastoral work.

Black Cat Day is celebrated on August 17th and was created as Black Cat Appreciation Day in the United States.

Day dedicated to Saint Beatriz da Silva, Portuguese virgin and saint, founder of the Order of the Concepcionist Sisters.

Day of Saint Clare of Montefalco, virgin and saint from Italy, known for her life of contemplation and asceticism.

Celebration of Gabon's National Day, commemorating independence from France on August 17, 1960.

Indonesian Independence Day celebration, marking the independence of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on August 17, 1945.