Omar. 581-644. Second Moslem caliph. Invaded Syria, Egypt, Persia. Established taxation.

Omdurman, Battle. 1898. British defeat Mahdi, dominate Sudan.

Omnibus. 1829 London. 1904 Double decker. 1911 Last horse drawn bus.

Omphale. Mythical Queen of Lydia served by Hercules.

O’Neill, Eugene. 1888-1953. US playwright: Iceman Cometh 1946. Long Day’s Journey into Night 1956.

O’Neill, Hugh. c1540-1616. Irish. Led failed revolt vs English rule.

O’Neill, Shane. c1530-67. Irish chief rebelled vs England, slain by rival clan.

Op art. 20C style incorporating optical illusion of movement. Vasarely. Riley.

OPEC. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. 1961- International cartel sets prices by controlling supply. Created oil shortage 1973.

Opéra. 1861-75. Paris opera house by Garnier.

Opera Buffa. = Comic Opera. Pergolesi.

Opium Wars. 1839-42 Hong Kong ceded to Britain. 1856-60. French, British force China to open trade, legalize opium. Demonstrated European weapon superiority. Nanking Treaty.

Oppenheimer, Robert. 1904-67. US atomic scientist. Led Manhattan Project.

Ordeal, Trial by. -1219. English common form of trial. eg: fire, battle, dunking.

Oregon Trail. 1840-70. 2,000 mile route from Missouri to Oregon.

Orestes. Electra’s brother. Killed mother and her lover to avenge death of his father, Agamemnon.

Oriental Canon Law. 880. Ecclesiastical laws of Eastern Christian churches.

Origen. c185-254. Alexandrian. Sought to justify Christianity in terms of Greek philosophy. On First Principles.

Oriskany, Battle. 1777. British ambush Americans.

Orlando, Vittorio. 1860-1952. Italian Prime Minister 1917-19. Versailles negotiator.

Orléanists. 1830-48. French supporters of Louis-Philippe vs republicans and Bonapartists.

Orléans. 1344-. Branch of French Valois and Bourbons.

Orléans, Charles, duc d’. 1394-1465. Fought with Armagnacs vs Burgundians. Captured at Agincourt 1415. Ransomed 1440. Last courtly poet of France.

Orléans, Gaston, duc d’. 1608-60. French prince vs Richelieu. Exiled 1632-2. Led Fronde.

Orléans, Louis, duc d’. 1372-1407. Began Armagnac/Burgundy conflict. Assassinated by supporters of John the Fearless.

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