16 November in history
5 events that happened on 16 November, from 1093 to 1988.
1532 CE 494 years ago
Pizarro captures the Inca ruler Atahualpa at Cajamarca
Francisco Pizarro's force of fewer than 200 men ambushed Atahualpa's retinue in the square of Cajamarca, killing thousands. Holding the Inca ruler captive gave the Spanish leverage over a vast empire.
✦ Anniversary of the day
1776 CE 250 years ago
The British capture Fort Washington on Manhattan
British and Hessian troops stormed Fort Washington, the last American stronghold on Manhattan, and took about 2,800 prisoners. Washington's army retreated across New Jersey.
1945 CE 81 years ago
UNESCO's constitution is signed in London
Delegates of 37 countries signed the constitution of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It promotes cooperation in education, science and culture and lists World Heritage Sites.
1988 CE 38 years ago
Benazir Bhutto's party wins Pakistan's general election
The Pakistan Peoples Party, led by Benazir Bhutto, won the most seats in the first open election in over a decade. Weeks later she became the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority democracy.
