Ranavalona III (1861–1917) was the last sovereign of the Kingdom of Madagascar. Her reign from 1883 to 1897 was marked by ultimately futile efforts to resist the colonial designs of the government of France. She entered into a political marriage with Rainilaiarivony who, in his role as Prime Minister of Madagascar, largely oversaw the day-to-day governance of the kingdom and managed its foreign affairs. Throughout her reign, Ranavalona tried to stave off colonization by strengthening trade and diplomatic relations with the United States and Great Britain. However, French attacks ultimately led to the capture of the royal palace in 1895, ending Madagascar's autonomy. The newly installed French colonial government initially permitted Ranavalona and her court to remain as symbolic figureheads until the outbreak of a popular resistance movement led the French to send her into exile. The queen, her family and the servants accompanying her were provided an allowance and enjoyed a comfortable standard of living, but she was never permitted to return to Madagascar despite her requests. She died at her villa in Algiers at the age of 55; her remains were returned to Madagascar in 1938.

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranavalona_III

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

41:

Cassius Chaerea and the disgruntled Praetorian Guards murdered Roman emperor Caligula, replacing him with his uncle Claudius. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caligula

1848:

James W. Marshall discovered gold at Sutter's Mill (reconstruction pictured) in Coloma, California, leading to the California Gold Rush. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_Gold_Rush

1978:

The Soviet satellite Kosmos 954, which used nuclear power for propulsion, burned up during reentry, scattering radioactive debris across Canada's Northwest Territories. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosmos_954

1993:

Turkish journalist and writer Uğur Mumcu was assassinated by a car bomb outside his home in Ankara. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U%C4%9Fur_Mumcu

2011:

A suicide bomber killed at least 37 people at Domodedovo International Airport in Moscow. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domodedovo_International_Airport_bombing

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

alicorn: (now historical) The horn of a unicorn considered as a medical or pharmacological ingredient. https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/alicorn

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

I'm searching for a heart, Searching everyone. They say love conquers all. You can't start it like a car, You can't stop it with a gun. --Warren Zevon https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Warren_Zevon