1972⚡ Event
Ryukyu Islands returned to Japan
The Ryukyu Islands were returned to Japan by the United States, and the U.S. occupation government was abolished.
politics
What Happened on May 15?
Discover 15 historical moments on May 15 — 5 events, 5 birthdays, and 5 notable deaths spanning centuries of human history.
sportspoliticsentertainmentmusicartseconomicsexplorationscience
Hero image inspired by: Vincent van Gogh
Historical Events on May 15(5)
1990⚡ Event
Van Gogh painting sells for record price
Vincent van Gogh's Portrait of Dr. Gachet was sold at auction for US$82.5 million, setting a world record for the most expensive painting at the time.
artseconomics
2004⚡ Event
Arsenal finishes season undefeated
Arsenal became the first football team in England's top flight to finish a season undefeated since Preston North End in the 1888–1889 season.
sports
2010⚡ Event
Jessica Watson completes circumnavigation
Jessica Watson arrived in Sydney after sailing non-stop and unassisted around the world, three days before her seventeenth birthday.
explorationsports
2024⚡ Event
Assassination attempt on Robert Fico
Prime Minister of Slovakia Robert Fico was hospitalized following an assassination attempt.
politics
Famous Birthdays on May 15(5)
2002🎂 Birth
Chase Hudson
Chase Hudson, an American internet celebrity, singer, and actor, was born.
entertainmentmusic
Notable Deaths on May 15(5)
2021🕊️ Death
Oliver Gillie
Oliver Gillie, a British journalist and scientist, has died. He was born in 1937.
scienceliterature
2022🕊️ Death
Frank Curry
Frank Curry, an Australian rugby league player and coach, has died. He was born in 1950.
sports
2024🕊️ Death
Kamla Beniwal
Kamla Beniwal, an Indian politician, has died. She was born in 1927.
politics
2025🕊️ Death
Robert Walls
Robert Walls, an Australian footballer, coach, and sportscaster, has died. He was born in 1950.
sports
May 15 in History
May 15 is home to 15 recorded historical entries in our collection, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 deaths. This date has witnessed momentous occasions spanning from 1972 to the present day.
Major Events on May 15
Among the most notable events on May 15: Ryukyu Islands returned to Japan (1972), Van Gogh painting sells for record price (1990), Arsenal finishes season undefeated (2004). View all events →
Famous Birthdays on May 15
Notable figures born on May 15 include Lucrezia Stefanini, Anastasia Gasanova, Dayana Yastremska. View all birthdays →
Notable Deaths on May 15
Remembered figures who died on May 15 include Oliver Gillie, Frank Curry, Kay Mellor. View all →
Browse what happened on May 14 or May 16, explore the full month of May, or discover a random historical fact.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on May 15?
- May 15 is home to 15 recorded historical entries, including 5 notable events, 5 famous birthdays, and 5 notable deaths.
- What is the most notable event on May 15?
- One of the most notable events on May 15 is: Ryukyu Islands returned to Japan.
- Who was born on May 15?
- Famous figures born on May 15 include Lucrezia Stefanini, Anastasia Gasanova, Dayana Yastremska.
- How many historical events happened on May 15?
- Our collection records 5 historical events on May 15, spanning centuries of world history.
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