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Six things you didn't know about the Iran hostage crisis

Susan Chun

Updated 8:31 AM ET, Thu July 16, 2015

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Thirty-six years ago, militant students supporting Iran's Islamic Revolution stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took scores of hostages. Ultimately, 52 Americans were held for 444 days. Click through the gallery to see how the crisis unfolded.
Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
Thirty-six years ago, militant students supporting Iran's Islamic Revolution stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran and took scores of hostages. Ultimately, 52 Americans were held for 444 days. Click through the gallery to see how the crisis unfolded.
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In 1978, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi's authoritarian rule sparks demonstrations and riots in Iran. Government buildings and shops were looted, furniture was set ablaze and documents were thrown into the streets.
Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
In 1978, Shah Mohammed Reza Pahlavi's authoritarian rule sparks demonstrations and riots in Iran. Government buildings and shops were looted, furniture was set ablaze and documents were thrown into the streets.
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The Shah shakes hands with a minister of the new civilian government in Tehran on January 6, 1979. Ten days later, he fled the country and headed to Egypt.
Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
The Shah shakes hands with a minister of the new civilian government in Tehran on January 6, 1979. Ten days later, he fled the country and headed to Egypt.
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Demonstrators celebrating the Shah's departure flood the streets of Tehran on January 17, 1979.
Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
Demonstrators celebrating the Shah's departure flood the streets of Tehran on January 17, 1979.
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After 14 years in exile, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returns to lead Iran on February 1, 1979.
Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
After 14 years in exile, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini returns to lead Iran on February 1, 1979.
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Iranian students climb over the wall of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979.
Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
Iranian students climb over the wall of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 4, 1979.
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After storming the embassy, a group of students took 90 people hostage, including 66 Americans. They demanded the extradition of the Shah from the United States, where the ousted ruler was receiving cancer treatment. Ayatollah Khomeini issued a statement of support for the students' actions.
Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
After storming the embassy, a group of students took 90 people hostage, including 66 Americans. They demanded the extradition of the Shah from the United States, where the ousted ruler was receiving cancer treatment. Ayatollah Khomeini issued a statement of support for the students' actions.
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One of the student kidnappers presents pictures of the hostages during a news conference on November 8, 1979.
Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
One of the student kidnappers presents pictures of the hostages during a news conference on November 8, 1979.
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Demonstrators burn an effigy of Uncle Sam outside the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 13, 1979. They had gathered to show support for the Iranian militants who took over the embassy. The effigy was branded with "CIA" on its arm.
Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis
Demonstrators burn an effigy of Uncle Sam outside the U.S. Embassy in Tehran on November 13, 1979. They had gathered to show support for the Iranian militants who took over the embassy. The effigy was branded with "CIA" on its arm.
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A group of released U.S. Embassy staffers in Tehran hold a press conference on November 19, 1979. Khomeini ordered the release of female and African-American hostages, bringing the total number of Americans held to 53. Another hostage was later released due to illness.
Photos: 1979 Iran hostage crisis