Radical Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola was burned at the stake in the Republic of Florence on May 23, 1498 for preaching against the practices of the powerful within the Catholic Church, including Pope Alexander VI, and celebrating mass while excommunicated. Learn more about the life of Savonarola and his execution.

On May 23, 1701, Captain William Kidd, convicted of piracy and murder, was hanged in London. His body was later tarred and hung up in a gibbet - an iron cage - at the mouth of the River Thames as a warning to others.

Learn more about Captain Kidd.

On May 23, 1788, South Carolina ratified the US Constitution, becoming the eighth American state. Learn more about the history of South Carolina.