April 27

The Airbus A380 took off for its inaugural flight from Toulouse–Blagnac Airport on April 27, 2005. As a double-deck, wide-body aircraft, it was designed to carry over 500 passengers on long-haul routes. Pilots conducted a four-hour flight testing avionics, engines, and flight systems at varying speeds and altitudes. The successful trial validated Airbus’s vision for superjumbo travel, challenging Boeing’s dominance in the large-airliner market. Airlines placed launch orders based on the A380’s promise of greater passenger comfort and lower per-seat costs. The aircraft entered commercial service in 2007, reshaping international air travel with its scale and efficiency.

In April 2007, Israeli archaeologists announced the discovery of what is believed to be the tomb of Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed ruler of Judea renowned for his architectural achievements. Excavations at the Herodium site, located just south of Jerusalem, revealed carved sarcophagus fragments, coins, and structural remains that align with ancient descriptions of Herod’s tomb. The find solved a centuries-old archaeological mystery and provided new insights into funerary practices in the late Second Temple period. Scholars viewed the discovery as a major breakthrough in understanding the historical and cultural context of first-century Judea. The excavation also reignited public interest in the region’s rich archaeological heritage.