622    Prophet Muhammad completes his hijra from Mecca to Medina.

624    Muslim history: Led by Muhammad, the Muslims of Medina defeat the Quraysh of Mecca in the Battle of Badr.

1979    Grand Mosque Seizure: About 200 Sunni Muslims revolt in Saudi Arabia at the site of the Kaaba in Mecca during the pilgrimage and take about 6000 hostages. The Saudi government receives help from French special forces to put down the uprising.

1989    Two bombs explode in Mecca killing one pilgrim and wounding 16 others.

2001    In Mecca, 35 Muslim pilgrims are crushed to death during the annual Hajj pilgrimage.