Wikipedia:Main Page history/2016 May 29

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From today's featured article

Henry II

The House of Plantagenet (1154–1485) was the royal house of all the English kings from Henry II to Richard III, including the Angevin kings and the houses of Lancaster and York. In addition to the traditional judicial, feudal and military roles of the king, the Plantagenets had duties to the realm that were underpinned by a sophisticated justice system. They were often forced to agree to constraints on royal power, such as Magna Carta, in return for financial and military support. During their reigns, a distinct national identity was shaped by conflict with the French, Scots, Welsh and Irish, and by the establishment of English as the primary language. In the 15th century, the Plantagenets were defeated in France in the Hundred Years' War and beset with social, political and economic problems. Revolts were triggered by politics and by the denial of freedoms. English nobles raised private armies, engaged in private feuds and openly defied Henry VI. Rivalry between the Yorkists and Lancastrians erupted into the Wars of the Roses. After Richard III's death ended the reign of the Plantagenets, Henry VII founded the Tudor dynasty. (Full article...)

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Æthelstan presenting a book to St Cuthbert

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... that the Moirang Phee of Manipur has a specific design called the "MoirangPheejin" which is woven with cotton or silk threads sequentially on both longitudinal edges of the fabric?
... that in a recent United States Supreme Court decision, Justice Sonia Sotomayor declined to remove the "doctrinal wall between corporate and unincorporated entities"?
... that actress Kim Sae-ron's first adult role is in the Korean drama Mirror of the Witch, where she plays a cursed princess in love with Heo Jun?
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... that Canadian football wide receiver Ted Alford earned a place on the BC Lions by practicing with the team for free after being cut in the preseason?

In the news

Binali Yıldırım

In association football, Real Madrid defeat Atlético Madrid in the final to win the UEFA Champions League.
Binali Yıldırım (pictured) is appointed Prime Minister of Turkey following the resignation of Ahmet Davutoğlu.
In the Tajikistani constitutional referendum, voters approve the removal of term limits of incumbent President Emomali Rahmon.
Independent Green Alexander Van der Bellen is narrowly elected President of Austria.
Cyclone Roanu kills at least 90 people and leaves more than 130 missing across Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

Ongoing events:
- EgyptAir Flight 804
Recent deaths:
- Yang Jiang
- Burt Kwouk

On this day...

May 29: International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers; Democracy Day in Nigeria

Jenny Lind

1176 – Wars of the Guelphs and Ghibellines: The Lombard League defeated the forces of the Holy Roman Empire in Legnano, Lombardy, present-day Italy.
1453 – With the conquest of Constantinople, the Byzantine Empire fell to the Ottomans.
1852 – Swedish operatic soprano Jenny Lind (pictured) concluded a successful concert tour of the US under the management of showman P. T. Barnum.
1913 – During the premiere of Igor Stravinsky's ballet The Rite of Spring at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, the avant-garde nature of the music and choreography caused a near-riot in the audience.
1954 – The first annual Bilderberg Group meeting of leaders from European countries and the United States took place in Oosterbeek, Netherlands.
1982 – Falklands War: Approximately 1,000 Argentine troops surrendered, ending the Battle of Goose Green.

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Today's featured picture

The effects of a month of forced starvation on a North Vietnamese defector who was recaptured by the Viet Cong. Individuals experiencing starvation lose substantial fat (adipose tissue) and muscle mass as the body breaks down these tissues for energy. Vitamin deficiency is another common result of starvation, often leading to anemia, beriberi, pellagra, and scurvy. The energy deficiency inherent in starvation causes fatigue and renders the victim more apathetic over time. Atrophy of the stomach weakens the perception of hunger, and victims of starvation are often unable to sense thirst.

Photograph: United States Information Agency; restoration: Chris Woodrich

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