Diaghilev, Sergei. 1872-1929. Russian. Founder of Ballet Russes (Paris) 1909.

Diamond Necklace Affair. 1785. Necklace bought for Marie Antionette; not paid for. French Revolution.

Diana. Roman goddess of hunt and moon = Artemis.

Diane de Poitiers. 1499-1566. Duchess of Valentinois and mistress of Henry II.

Diaz, Porfirio. 1830-1915. Mexican rebel, dictator 1877-1911. Apparent prosperity, but resources sold to foreigners.

Dickens, Charles. 1812-1870. English popular humanitarian writer and social critic. Created original, colorful memorable characters. Pickwick Papers 1837. Oliver Twist 1838. Christmas Carol 1843. David Copperfield 1850. Great Expectations 1861.

Dictionary. 150BC Chinese. 1612 Italian. 1933 OED.

Dieppe. 1942. Unsuccessful Canadian-led experimental assault on French port. 44,000 dead.

Diesel, Rudolph. 1858-1913. German engineer. Invented diesel engine, 1892.

Dietrich, Marlene. 1901-92. German/US film actress.

Diggers. 1649-50. English communal Puritan farmers. “True Levellers”.

Dillinger, John. 1902-34. Murderous US bank robber. Killed by FBI.

Dimitrov, Georgi. 1882-1949. Bulgarian Communist leader. Prime Minister 45-. Acquitted of Reichstagg fire.

Dinah. Jacob and Leah’s daughter. Raped by Hivite, Shechem.

Dio Cassius. 155-235. Greek/Roman historian. 80 Volume history: Roman Antiquities.

Diocletian. 245-316. Roman Emperor of the East 284, West 285. Abdicated 305. Regained Britain, Persia. Persecuted Christians. Condemned alchemy 297.

Diogenes (The Cynic). c413-327BC. Greek philosopher. Cynic. Looked for an honest man. Declined gifts of Alexander the Great. Lived in a tub. Sought virtue and moral freedom.

Diomedes. Greek leader in Trojan War.

Dionysius. c431-367BC. Syracuse tyrant, unites Greek cities, defeats Carthaginians. Syracuse becomes major power.

Dionysus. Greek god of wine and orgies = Bacchus.

Diophantus. 3C. Greek mathematician. Arithmetica First algebra text.

Diori, Hamani. 1916-89. First President of Niger 1960-74. Deposed.

Dioscorides, Pedanius. 1C. Greek physician and pharmacologist. De Materia Medica used to 16C.

Diplomatic Revolution. 1756. Reversal of alliances led to Seven Years War.

Dirac, Paul. 1902-84. English quantum physicist.

5027 more results ...