13 December: what happened on this day in history

Events on 13 December include:

Jo Swinson (pictured) steps down as Leader of the Liberal Democrats after losing her seat in the 2019 general election making her tenure the shortest in the party's history (2019)
The Troubles: The Provisional Irish Republican Army engaged in a fierce firefight with the King's Own Scottish Borderers at a vehicle checkpoint complex in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland (1989)
Malta becomes a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations (1974)

This page gathers 45 events, 135 births and 91 deaths recorded on this day, from 1076 to 2019.

‹ 12 December 14 December ›

Events · United Kingdom

2019
Jo Swinson (pictured) steps down as Leader of the Liberal Democrats after losing her seat in the 2019 general election making her tenure the shortest in the party's history. Wikipedia: Jo Swinson · 34 languages
1989
The Troubles: The Provisional Irish Republican Army engaged in a fierce firefight with the King's Own Scottish Borderers at a vehicle checkpoint complex in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Wikipedia: The Troubles · ✓ Wikidata · 3 languagesArchive: The troubles of intellectual life in Germany. — Bauhaus University Weimar. University Library · Europeana
1974
Malta becomes a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations. Wikipedia: Malta · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · 327 languagesArchive: Malta — The University and National Library of Debrecen, 1835 · Europeana
1939
The Battle of the River Plate is fought off the coast of Uruguay; the first naval battle of World War II. The Kriegsmarine's Deutschland-class cruiser (pocket battleship) Admiral Graf Spee engages with three Royal Navy cruisers: HMS Ajax, HMNZS Achilles and HMS Exeter. Wikipedia: Battle of the River Plate · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 41 languages
1758
The English transport ship Duke William sinks in the North Atlantic, killing over 360 people. Wikipedia: Duke William (ship) · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · 2 languages
1643
First English Civil War: Roundhead forces under Sir William Waller led a successful surprise attack in Hampshire on a winter garrison of Cavalier infantry and cavalry. Wikipedia: First English Civil War · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 1 language
1643
English Civil War: The Battle of Alton takes place in Hampshire. Wikipedia: English Civil War · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 1 language
1577
Francis Drake set sail from Plymouth, England, on his round-the-world voyage. Wikipedia: Francis Drake · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 5 languages

Around the world

2013
Beyoncé (pictured) released her fifth studio album without any prior announcement or promotion; it sold 2.3 million copies before the end of the year. Wikipedia: Beyoncé · ✓ Wikidata · 35 languages
2011
A man threw grenades and fired a rifle at crowds in Liège, Belgium, causing 6 deaths and injuring more than 120 others, before killing himself. Wikipedia: 2011 Liège attack · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 24 languages
2007
The Treaty of Lisbon is signed by the EU member states to amend both the Treaty of Rome and the Maastricht Treaty which together form the constitutional basis of the EU. The Treaty of Lisbon is effective from 1 December 2009. Wikipedia: Treaty of Lisbon · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 79 languages
2003
Iraq War: Operation Red Dawn: Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is captured near his home town of Tikrit. Wikipedia: Iraq War · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 20 languages
2002
European Union enlargement: The EU announces that Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia will become members on May 1, 2004. Wikipedia: 2004 enlargement of the European Union · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · 20 languages
2001
Indian Parliament attack: Sansad Bhavan, the building housing the Indian Parliament, is attacked by five Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorists. Twelve people are killed, including the terrorists. Wikipedia: 2001 Indian Parliament attack · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 18 languages
1995
Banat Air Flight 166 crashes in Sommacampagna near Verona Villafranca Airport in Verona, Italy, killing 49. Wikipedia: Banat Air Flight 166 · ✓ Wikidata · 8 languages
1994
Flagship Airlines Flight 3379 crashes in Morrisville, North Carolina, near Raleigh–Durham International Airport, killing 15. Wikipedia: Flagship Airlines Flight 3379 · ✓ Wikidata · 8 languages
1991
Croatian War of Independence: The Croatian Army retreated after the failure of Operation Whirlwind, destroying their tanks to avoid their capture. Wikipedia: Croatian War of Independence · 64 languages
1988
PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat gives a speech at a UN General Assembly meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, after United States authorities refused to grant him a visa to visit UN headquarters in New York. Wikipedia: Chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · 11 languages
1982
The 6.0 Ms North Yemen earthquake shakes southwestern Yemen with a maximum Mercalli intensity of VIII (Severe), killing 2,800, and injuring 1,500. Wikipedia: 1982 North Yemen earthquake · ✓ Wikidata · 8 languages
1981
Polish prime minister Wojciech Jaruzelski (pictured) declared martial law. Wikipedia: Wojciech Jaruzelski · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 29 languages
1977
Air Indiana Flight 216 crashes near Evansville Regional Airport, killing 29, including the University of Evansville basketball team, support staff, and boosters of the team. Wikipedia: Air Indiana Flight 216 · ✓ Wikidata · 5 languages
1974
In the Vietnam War, the North Vietnamese forces launch their 1975 Spring Offensive (to 30 April 1975), which results in the final capitulation of South Vietnam. Wikipedia: Vietnam War · ✓ Wikidata · 16 languages
1972
Apollo program: Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt begin the third and final extra-vehicular activity (EVA) or "Moonwalk" of Apollo 17. To date they are the last humans to set foot on the Moon. Wikipedia: Apollo program · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · 102 languages
1968
Brazilian President Artur da Costa e Silva issues AI-5 (Institutional Act No. 5), enabling government by decree and suspending habeas corpus. Wikipedia: Artur da Costa e Silva · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 11 languages
1967
Constantine II of Greece attempts an unsuccessful counter-coup against the Regime of the Colonels. Wikipedia: Constantine II of Greece · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · 74 languages
1962
NASA launches Relay 1, the first active repeater communications satellite in orbit. Wikipedia: NASA · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · 184 languages
1960
With Haile Selassie (pictured), Emperor of Ethiopia, out of the country, four conspirators staged a coup attempt to install Crown Prince Asfaw Wossen on the throne. Wikipedia: Haile Selassie · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 12 languages
1959
Archbishop Makarios III becomes the first President of Cyprus. Wikipedia: List of archbishops of Cyprus · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · 8 languages
1957
A 6.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Iranian Hamadan province, killing at least 1,130 people. Wikipedia: 1957 Farsinaj earthquake · ✓ Wikidata · 4 languages
1949
The Knesset votes to move the capital of Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Wikipedia: Knesset · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · 92 languages
1943
World War II: The Massacre of Kalavryta by German occupying forces in Greece. Wikipedia: Kalavryta massacre · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 12 languages
1938
The Holocaust: The Neuengamme concentration camp opens in the Bergedorf district of Hamburg, Germany. Wikipedia: The Holocaust · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · 204 languages
1937
Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese forces, capturing the Chinese city of Nanjing, began committing numerous atrocities over the next several weeks, including looting, rape and the execution of prisoners of war and civilians. Wikipedia: Second Sino-Japanese War · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 73 languages
1928
An American in Paris, a jazz-influenced orchestral piece by George Gershwin, premiered at Carnegie Hall in New York. Wikipedia: An American in Paris · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · 22 languages
1864
American Civil War: Sherman's March to the Sea: The Second Battle of Fort McAllister ends with the fort being seized by Union forces under General William B. Hazen, threatening the city of Savannah with investment. Wikipedia: Sherman's March to the Sea · ✓ Wikidata · 5 languages
1862
American Civil War: Union forces under Ambrose Burnside suffered severe casualties against entrenched Confederate defenders at the Battle of Fredericksburg in Virginia. Wikipedia: American Civil War · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · 170 languages
1818
Cyril VI of Constantinople resigns from his position as Ecumenical Patriarch under pressure from the Ottoman Empire. Wikipedia: Cyril VI of Constantinople · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · 15 languages
1809
Napoleonic Wars: While transporting supplies to Guadeloupe, French commodore François Wikipedia: Napoleonic Wars · ✓ Wikidata · 1 language
1769
Dartmouth College (campus pictured) was established by royal charter in present-day Hanover, New Hampshire. Wikipedia: Dartmouth College · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 64 languages
1642
Abel Tasman is the first recorded European to sight New Zealand. Wikipedia: Abel Tasman · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · 103 languages
1636
The Massachusetts Bay Colony organizes three militia regiments to defend the colony against the Pequot Indians, a date now considered the founding of the National Guard of the United States. Wikipedia: Massachusetts Bay Colony · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · 34 languages
1623
The Plymouth Colony establishes the system of trial by 12-men jury in the American colonies. Wikipedia: Plymouth Colony · 45 languages
1545
The Council of Trent begins as the embodiment of the Counter-Reformation. Wikipedia: Council of Trent · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 79 languages
1294
Saint Celestine V resigned the papacy after only five months to return to his previous life as an ascetic hermit. Wikipedia: Pope Celestine V · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · 81 languages
1076
The city of Salerno surrenders to Robert Guiscard. Duke Gisulf continues his resistance in the citadel until May of the following year. Wikipedia: Salerno · 110 languages

World days

No entries.

Technology

No entries.

Today's news: Technology ›

Science

1972
Apollo program: Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt begin the third and final extra-vehicular activity (EVA) or "Moonwalk" of Apollo 17. To date they are the last humans to set foot on the Moon. Wikipedia: Apollo program · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · 102 languages
1962
NASA launches Relay 1, the first active repeater communications satellite in orbit. Wikipedia: NASA · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · 184 languages

Today's news: Science ›

Business

No entries.

Today's news: Business ›

Sport

1977
Air Indiana Flight 216 crashes near Evansville Regional Airport, killing 29, including the University of Evansville basketball team, support staff, and boosters of the team. Wikipedia: Air Indiana Flight 216 · ✓ Wikidata · 5 languages

Today's news: Sport ›

Culture

2013
Beyoncé (pictured) released her fifth studio album without any prior announcement or promotion; it sold 2.3 million copies before the end of the year. Wikipedia: Beyoncé · ✓ Wikidata · 35 languages
1928
An American in Paris, a jazz-influenced orchestral piece by George Gershwin, premiered at Carnegie Hall in New York. Wikipedia: An American in Paris · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · 22 languages

Today's news: Culture ›

Births

2009
Maddox Batson, American singer and songwriter Wikipedia: Maddox Batson · ✓ Wikidata · 2 languages
2002
Brock Bowers, American football player Wikipedia: Brock Bowers · ✓ Wikidata · 10 languages
2001
Jayden Goodwin, Australian cricketer Wikipedia: Jayden Goodwin · ✓ Wikidata · 2 languages
2000
Simona Waltert, Swiss tennis player Wikipedia: Simona Waltert · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 14 languages
1999
Marina Bassols Ribera, Spanish tennis player Wikipedia: Marina Bassols Ribera · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 14 languages
1998
Ian Seymour, American baseball pitcher Wikipedia: Ian Seymour · ✓ Wikidata · 2 languages
1996
Gleyber Torres, Venezuelan baseball player Wikipedia: Gleyber Torres · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 8 languages
1995
Emma Corrin, English actor Wikipedia: Emma Corrin · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 49 languages
1993
Danielle Collins, American tennis player Wikipedia: Danielle Collins · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 31 languages
1993
Jamal Fogarty, Australian rugby league player Wikipedia: Jamal Fogarty · ✓ Wikidata · 3 languages
1991
Dave Leduc, Canadian martial artist Wikipedia: Dave Leduc · ✓ Wikidata · 11 languages
1991
Vladimir Tarasenko, Russian ice hockey player Wikipedia: Vladimir Tarasenko · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 19 languages
1990
Fletcher Cox, American football player Wikipedia: Fletcher Cox · ✓ Wikidata · 10 languages
1990
Joseph Garrett, English YouTuber, actor, and author Wikipedia: Stampy · ✓ Wikidata · 2 languages
1990
Arantxa Rus, Dutch tennis player Wikipedia: Arantxa Rus · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 28 languages
1989
Hellen Obiri, Kenyan runner Wikipedia: Hellen Obiri · ✓ Wikidata · 36 languages
1989
Katherine Schwarzenegger, American author Wikipedia: Katherine Schwarzenegger · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 23 languages
1989
Taylor Swift, American singer-songwriter Wikipedia: Taylor Swift · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 178 languages
1988
Rickie Fowler, American golfer Wikipedia: Rickie Fowler · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 15 languages
1987
James Holmes, American mass murderer Wikipedia: James Holmes (mass murderer) · ✓ Wikidata · 19 languages
1984
Santi Cazorla, Spanish footballer Wikipedia: Santi Cazorla · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 64 languages
1984
Hanna-Maria Seppälä, Finnish freestyle swimmer Wikipedia: Hanna-Maria Seppälä · ✓ Wikidata · 20 languages
1983
Laura Hodges, Australian basketball player Wikipedia: Laura Hodges · ✓ Wikidata · 18 languages
1982
Dan Hamhuis, Canadian ice hockey player Wikipedia: Dan Hamhuis · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 21 languages
1982
Ricky Nolasco, American baseball player Wikipedia: Ricky Nolasco · ✓ Wikidata · 9 languages
1981
Amy Lee, American singer, songwriter and pianist Wikipedia: Amy Lee · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 68 languages
1978
Cameron Douglas, American actor Wikipedia: Cameron Douglas · ✓ Wikidata · 15 languages
1975
Tom DeLonge, American singer-songwriter, guitarist, author, and filmmaker Wikipedia: Tom DeLonge · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 47 languages
1975
James Kyson, American actor Wikipedia: James Kyson · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 26 languages
1975
Matthew LeCroy, American baseball player and manager Wikipedia: Matthew LeCroy · ✓ Wikidata · 7 languages
1972
Matti Kärki, Swedish heavy metal singer Wikipedia: Matti Kärki · ✓ Wikidata · 5 languages
1971
Scott Sattler, Australian rugby league player Wikipedia: Scott Sattler · ✓ Wikidata · 2 languages
1969
Sergei Fedorov, Russian ice hockey player and coach Wikipedia: Sergei Fedorov · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 26 languages
1967
Jamie Foxx, American actor, singer, songwriter, producer, and comedian Wikipedia: Jamie Foxx · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 83 languages
1965
Petra Wimmer, Austrian politician Wikipedia: Petra Wimmer · ✓ Wikidata · 3 languages
1964
Krišjānis Kariņš, American-Latvian politician, 23rd Prime Minister of Latvia Wikipedia: Krišjānis Kariņš · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 49 languages
1962
Rex Ryan, American football coach and analyst Wikipedia: Rex Ryan · ✓ Wikidata · 11 languages
1961
Gary Zimmerman, American football player Wikipedia: Gary Zimmerman · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 8 languages
1960
Richard Dent, American football player Wikipedia: Richard Dent · ✓ Wikidata · 10 languages
1959
Johnny Whitaker, American actor Wikipedia: Johnny Whitaker · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 15 languages
1957
Steve Buscemi, American actor and director Wikipedia: Steve Buscemi · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 74 languages
1957
Morris Day, American musician and actor Wikipedia: Morris Day · ✓ Wikidata · 12 languages
1956
Phil Hubbard, American basketball player and coach Wikipedia: Phil Hubbard · ✓ Wikidata · 14 languages
1953
Ben Bernanke, American economist Wikipedia: Ben Bernanke · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 75 languages
1953
Bob Gainey, Canadian ice hockey player Wikipedia: Bob Gainey · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 14 languages
1952
Junkyard Dog, American professional wrestler (died 1998) Wikipedia: Junkyard Dog · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 17 languages
1952
Muhsin Kenon, American basketball player Wikipedia: Larry Kenon · ✓ Wikidata · 11 languages
1950
Wendie Malick, American actress Wikipedia: Wendie Malick · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 35 languages
1948
Jeff Baxter, American guitarist, songwriter, and producer Wikipedia: Jeff Baxter · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 17 languages
1948
Lillian Board, British athlete (died 1970) Wikipedia: Lillian Board · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 20 languages
1948
Ted Nugent, American musician Wikipedia: Ted Nugent · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 33 languages
1945
Herman Cain, American businessman, politician, and activist (died 2020) Wikipedia: Herman Cain · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 43 languages
1942
Howard Brenton, English playwright and screenwriter Wikipedia: Howard Brenton · ✓ Wikidata · 5 languages
1942
Ferguson Jenkins, Canadian baseball player Wikipedia: Ferguson Jenkins · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 15 languages
1940
Sanjaya Lall, Indian economist and academic (died 2005) Wikipedia: Sanjaya Lall · ✓ Wikidata · 2 languages
1938
Gus Johnson, American basketball player (died 1987) Wikipedia: Gus Johnson (basketball) · ✓ Wikidata · 19 languages
1937
Ron Taylor, Canadian physician and baseball player (died 2025) Wikipedia: Ron Taylor (baseball) · ✓ Wikidata · 5 languages
1936
Prince Karim al-Husayn Shāh, Aga Khan IV, Swiss humanitarian and religious leader (died 2025) Wikipedia: Aga Khan IV · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 51 languages
1936
J. C. Martin, American baseball player Wikipedia: J. C. Martin (baseball) · ✓ Wikidata · 3 languages
1935
Türkan Saylan, Turkish physician and academic (died 2009) Wikipedia: Türkan Saylan · ✓ Wikidata · 26 languages
1934
Richard D. Zanuck, American film producer (died 2012) Wikipedia: Richard D. Zanuck · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 24 languages
1933
Paul Bracq, French automotive designer Wikipedia: Paul Bracq · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 13 languages
1931
Ida Vos, Dutch Jewish author of books for children and adults (died 2006)[citation needed] Wikipedia: Ida Vos · ✓ Wikidata · 6 languages
1929
Christopher Plummer, Canadian actor and producer (died 2021) Wikipedia: Christopher Plummer · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 104 languages
1928
Solomon Feferman, American philosopher and mathematician (died 2016) Wikipedia: Solomon Feferman · ✓ Wikidata · 12 languages
1927
James Wright, American poet and academic (died 1980) Wikipedia: James Wright (poet) · ✓ Wikidata · 11 languages
1925
Dick Van Dyke, American actor, singer, and dancer Wikipedia: Dick Van Dyke · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 51 languages
1923
Philip Warren Anderson, American physicist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (died 2020) Wikipedia: Philip W. Anderson · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 72 languages
1923
Larry Doby, American baseball player (died 2003) Wikipedia: Larry Doby · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 13 languages
1921
Turgut Demirağ, Turkish film producer, director and screenwriter (died 1987) Wikipedia: Turgut Demirağ · ✓ Wikidata · 8 languages
1920
George P. Shultz, American economist and politician, 60th United States Secretary of State (died 2021) Wikipedia: George Shultz · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 50 languages
1919
Hans-Joachim Marseille, German captain and pilot (died 1942) Wikipedia: Hans-Joachim Marseille · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 34 languages
1916
Leonard Weisgard, American author and illustrator (died 2000) Wikipedia: Leonard Weisgard · ✓ Wikidata · 1 language
1915
B. J. Vorster, South African lawyer and politician, 4th State President of South Africa (died 1983) Wikipedia: John Vorster · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 39 languages
1914
Alan Bullock, English historian and author (died 2004) Wikipedia: Alan Bullock · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 27 languages
1914
Larry Noble, English comedian and actor (died 1993) Wikipedia: Larry Noble (actor) · ✓ Wikidata · 2 languages
1913
Archie Moore, American boxer and actor (died 1998) Wikipedia: Archie Moore · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 27 languages
1912
Luiz Gonzaga, Brazilian singer-songwriter and accordion player (died 1989) Wikipedia: Luiz Gonzaga · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 26 languages
1911
Trygve Haavelmo, Norwegian economist and mathematician, Nobel Prize laureate (died 1999) Wikipedia: Trygve Haavelmo · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 53 languages
1911
Kenneth Patchen, American poet and painter (died 1972) Wikipedia: Kenneth Patchen · ✓ Wikidata · 8 languages
1908
Elizabeth Alexander, English geologist, academic, and physicist (died 1958) Wikipedia: Elizabeth Alexander (scientist) · ✓ Wikidata · 22 languages
1908
Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira, Brazilian historian and activist (died 1995) Wikipedia: Plinio Corrêa de Oliveira · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 14 languages
1908
Van Heflin, American film actor (died 1971) Wikipedia: Van Heflin · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 45 languages
1906
Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark (died 1968) Wikipedia: Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 39 languages
1906
Laurens van der Post, South African-English soldier and author (died 1996) Wikipedia: Laurens van der Post · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 23 languages
1905
Ann Barzel, American writer and dance critic (died 2007) Wikipedia: Ann Barzel · ✓ Wikidata · 3 languages
1903
Ella Baker, American activist (died 1986) Wikipedia: Ella Baker · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 34 languages
1903
Carlos Montoya, Spanish guitarist and composer (died 1993) Wikipedia: Carlos Montoya · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 14 languages
1902
Panagiotis Kanellopoulos, Greek philosopher and politician, 138th Prime Minister of Greece (died 1986) Wikipedia: Panagiotis Kanellopoulos · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 25 languages
1902
Talcott Parsons, American sociologist and academic (died 1979) Wikipedia: Talcott Parsons · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 62 languages
1901
Olev Roomet, Estonian singer, violinist, and bagpipe player (died 1987) Wikipedia: Olev Roomet · ✓ Wikidata · 2 languages
1900
Jonel Perlea, Romanian-American conductor and educator (died 1970) Wikipedia: Jonel Perlea · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 12 languages
1897
Albert Aalbers, Dutch architect, designed the Savoy Homann Bidakara Hotel (died 1961) Wikipedia: Albert Aalbers · ✓ Wikidata · 8 languages
1897
Drew Pearson, American journalist and author (died 1969) Wikipedia: Drew Pearson (journalist) · ✓ Wikidata · 10 languages
1895
Lucía Sánchez Saornil, Spanish anarchist feminist (died 1970) Wikipedia: Lucía Sánchez Saornil · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 28 languages
1887
George Pólya, Hungarian-American mathematician and academic (died 1985) Wikipedia: George Pólya · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 54 languages
1887
Alvin C. York, American colonel, Medal of Honor recipient (died 1964) Wikipedia: Alvin York · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 31 languages
1885
Annie Dale Biddle Andrews, American mathematician (died 1940) Wikipedia: Annie Dale Biddle Andrews · ✓ Wikidata · 9 languages
1884
Aimilios Veakis, Greek actor, director, and playwright (died 1951) Wikipedia: Aimilios Veakis · ✓ Wikidata · 6 languages
1883
Belle da Costa Greene, American librarian and bibliographer (died 1950) Wikipedia: Belle da Costa Greene · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 10 languages
1882
Jane Edna Hunter, African-American social worker (died 1971) Wikipedia: Jane Edna Hunter · ✓ Wikidata · 3 languages
1874
Josef Lhévinne, Russian pianist and educator (died 1944) Wikipedia: Josef Lhévinne · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 19 languages
1871
Emily Carr, Canadian painter and author (died 1945) Wikipedia: Emily Carr · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 36 languages
1870
Edward LeSaint, American actor and director (died 1940) Wikipedia: Edward LeSaint · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 12 languages
1867
Kristian Birkeland, Norwegian physicist and author (died 1917) Wikipedia: Kristian Birkeland · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 32 languages
1864
Emil Seidel, American woodcarver and politician, 36th Mayor of Milwaukee (died 1947) Wikipedia: Emil Seidel · ✓ Wikidata · 12 languages
1860
Lucien Guitry, French actor (died 1925) Wikipedia: Lucien Guitry · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 17 languages
1856
Svetozar Boroević, Croatian-Austrian field marshal (died 1920) Wikipedia: Svetozar Boroević · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 30 languages
1854
Herman Bavinck, Dutch philosopher, theologian, and academic (died 1921) Wikipedia: Herman Bavinck · ✓ Wikidata · 14 languages
1836
Franz von Lenbach, German painter and academic (died 1904) Wikipedia: Franz von Lenbach · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 31 languages
1830
Mathilde Fibiger, Danish feminist, novelist and telegraphist (died 1892) Wikipedia: Mathilde Fibiger · ✓ Wikidata · 14 languages
1818
Mary Todd Lincoln, 16th First Lady of the United States (died 1882) Wikipedia: Mary Todd Lincoln · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 57 languages
1816
Werner von Siemens, German engineer and businessman, founded Siemens (died 1892) Wikipedia: Werner von Siemens · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 67 languages
1814
Ana Néri, Brazilian nurse and philanthropist (died 1880) Wikipedia: Ana Néri · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 11 languages
1804
Joseph Howe, Canadian journalist and politician, 5th Premier of Nova Scotia (died 1873) Wikipedia: Joseph Howe · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 11 languages
1797
Heinrich Heine, German journalist, poet, and critic (died 1856) Wikipedia: Heinrich Heine · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 168 languages
1784
Archduke Louis of Austria (died 1864) Wikipedia: Archduke Louis of Austria · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 21 languages
1780
Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner, German chemist, invented the Döbereiner's lamp (died 1849) Wikipedia: Johann Wolfgang Döbereiner · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 48 languages
1769
James Scarlett Abinger, English judge (died 1844) Wikipedia: James Scarlett, 1st Baron Abinger · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 8 languages
1724
Franz Aepinus, German astronomer and philosopher (died 1802) Wikipedia: Franz Aepinus · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 28 languages
1720
Carlo Gozzi, Italian playwright (died 1804) Wikipedia: Carlo Gozzi · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 46 languages
1678
Yongzheng Emperor of China (died 1735) Wikipedia: Yongzheng Emperor · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 48 languages
1662
Francesco Bianchini, Italian astronomer and philosopher (died 1729) Wikipedia: Francesco Bianchini · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 16 languages
1640
Robert Plot, English chemist and academic (died 1696) Wikipedia: Robert Plot · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 15 languages
1585
William Drummond of Hawthornden, Scottish poet (died 1649) Wikipedia: William Drummond of Hawthornden · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 17 languages
1560
Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully, 2nd Prime Minister of France (died 1641) Wikipedia: Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 33 languages
1553
Henry IV of France (died 1610) Wikipedia: Henry IV of France · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 105 languages
1533
Eric XIV of Sweden (died 1577) Wikipedia: Erik XIV · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 52 languages
1521
Pope Sixtus V (died 1590) Wikipedia: Pope Sixtus V · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 83 languages
1499
Justus Menius, German Lutheran pastor (died 1558) Wikipedia: Justus Menius · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 9 languages
1491
Martín de Azpilcueta, Spanish theologian and economist (died 1586) Wikipedia: Martín de Azpilcueta · 20 languages
1484
Paul Speratus, German Lutheran (died 1551) Wikipedia: Paul Speratus · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 16 languages
1476
Lucy Brocadelli, Dominican tertiary and stigmatic (died 1544) Wikipedia: Lucy Brocadelli · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 10 languages
1363
Jean Gerson, chancellor of the University of Paris (died 1429) Wikipedia: Jean Gerson · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 39 languages
1272
King Frederick III of Sicily (died 1337) Wikipedia: Frederick III of Sicily · ✓ Wikidata · 36 languages

Deaths

2025
Juan José Zerboni, Mexican actor (born 1953) Wikipedia: Juan José Zerboni · ✓ Wikidata · 1 language
2024
Lorraine O'Grady, American artist (born 1934) Wikipedia: Lorraine O'Grady · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 12 languages
2022
Stephen "tWitch" Boss, American dancer and media personality (born 1982) Wikipedia: Stephen "tWitch" Boss · ✓ Wikidata · 15 languages
2018
Noah Klieger, Holocaust survivor who became an award-winning Israeli journalist (born 1926) Wikipedia: Noah Klieger · ✓ Wikidata · 13 languages
2016
Alan Thicke, Canadian actor, songwriter, game and talk-show host (born 1947) Wikipedia: Alan Thicke · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 45 languages
2006
Lamar Hunt, American businessman, co-founded the American Football League and World Championship Tennis (born 1932) Wikipedia: Lamar Hunt · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 19 languages
2005
Alan Shields, American painter and ferryboat captain (born 1944) Wikipedia: Alan Shields · ✓ Wikidata · 4 languages
2004
David Wheeler, English computer scientist and academic (born 1927) Wikipedia: David Wheeler (computer scientist) · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 13 languages
2002
Zal Yanovsky, Canadian singer-songwriter and guitarist who founded The Lovin' Spoonful (born 1944) Wikipedia: Zal Yanovsky · ✓ Wikidata · 13 languages
1998
Lew Grade, Ukrainian-born British impresario and media proprietor (born 1906) Wikipedia: Lew Grade · ✓ Wikidata · 11 languages
1998
Richard Thomas, Royal Naval Officer (born 1922) Wikipedia: Richard Thomas (Royal Navy officer) · ✓ Wikidata · 3 languages
1998
Wade Watts, civil rights activist (born 1919) Wikipedia: Wade Watts · ✓ Wikidata · 2 languages
1997
Don E. Fehrenbacher, American historian, author, and academic (born 1920) Wikipedia: Don E. Fehrenbacher · ✓ Wikidata · 7 languages
1996
Edward Blishen, English author and educator (born 1920) Wikipedia: Edward Blishen · ✓ Wikidata · 4 languages
1995
Ann Nolan Clark, American author and educator (born 1896) Wikipedia: Ann Nolan Clark · ✓ Wikidata · 4 languages
1993
Vanessa Duriès, French author (born 1972) Wikipedia: Vanessa Duriès · ✓ Wikidata · 8 languages
1992
K. C. Irving, Canadian businessman (born 1899) Wikipedia: K. C. Irving · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 7 languages
1992
Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney, American businessman and philanthropist (born 1899) Wikipedia: Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney · ✓ Wikidata · 6 languages
1986
Heather Angel, British-American actress (born 1909) Wikipedia: Heather Angel (actress) · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 22 languages
1986
Ella Baker, American activist (born 1903) Wikipedia: Ella Baker · ✓ Wikidata · 34 languages
1986
Smita Patil, Indian actress and journalist (born 1955) Wikipedia: Smita Patil · ✓ Wikidata · 32 languages
1983
Alexander Schmemann, Estonian-American priest and theologian (born 1921) Wikipedia: Alexander Schmemann · ✓ Wikidata · 19 languages
1983
Nichita Stănescu, Romanian poet and critic (born 1933) Wikipedia: Nichita Stănescu · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 27 languages
1979
Jon Hall, American actor and director (born 1915) Wikipedia: Jon Hall (actor) · ✓ Wikidata · 17 languages
1979
Behçet Necatigil, Turkish author, poet and translator (born 1916) Wikipedia: Behçet Necatigil · ✓ Wikidata · 12 languages
1977
Oguz Atay, Turkish engineer and author (born 1934) Wikipedia: Oğuz Atay · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 18 languages
1975
Cyril Delevanti, English-American actor (born 1889) Wikipedia: Cyril Delevanti · ✓ Wikidata · 10 languages
1975
Addie Viola Smith, American lawyer and trade commissioner (born 1893) Wikipedia: Addie Viola Smith · ✓ Wikidata · 6 languages
1974
Yakup Kadri Karaosmanoglu, Egyptian-Turkish journalist, author, and politician (born 1889) Wikipedia: Yakup Kadri Karaosmanoğlu · ✓ Wikidata · 21 languages
1973
Henry Green, English author (born 1905) Wikipedia: Henry Green · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 16 languages
1969
Raymond A. Spruance, American admiral and diplomat, United States Ambassador to the Philippines (born 1886) Wikipedia: Raymond A. Spruance · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 34 languages
1962
Harry Barris, American singer-songwriter and pianist (born 1905) Wikipedia: Harry Barris · ✓ Wikidata · 10 languages
1961
Grandma Moses, American painter (born 1860) Wikipedia: Grandma Moses · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 39 languages
1960
Dora Marsden, English author and activist (born 1882) Wikipedia: Dora Marsden · ✓ Wikidata · 19 languages
1955
Egas Moniz, Portuguese psychiatrist and neurosurgeon, Nobel Prize laureate (born 1874) Wikipedia: António Egas Moniz · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 55 languages
1954
John Raymond Hubbell, American director and composer (born 1879) Wikipedia: Raymond Hubbell · ✓ Wikidata · 4 languages
1950
Abraham Wald, Hungarian mathematician and academic (born 1902) Wikipedia: Abraham Wald · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 32 languages
1947
Henry James, American lawyer and author (born 1879) Wikipedia: Henry James (biographer) · ✓ Wikidata · 3 languages
1947
Nicholas Roerich, Russian archaeologist, painter, and philosopher (born 1874) Wikipedia: Nicholas Roerich · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 72 languages
1945
Irma Grese, German concentration camp guard (born 1923) Wikipedia: Irma Grese · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 41 languages
1945
Josef Kramer, German concentration camp commandant (born 1906) Wikipedia: Josef Kramer · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 32 languages
1945
Elisabeth Volkenrath, Polish-German concentration camp supervisor (born 1919) Wikipedia: Elisabeth Volkenrath · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 19 languages
1944
Wassily Kandinsky, Russian-French painter and theorist (born 1866) Wikipedia: Wassily Kandinsky · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 103 languages
1942
Wlodimir Ledóchowski, Austrian-Polish religious leader, 26th Superior-General of the Society of Jesus (born 1866) Wikipedia: Wlodimir Ledóchowski · ✓ Wikidata · 20 languages
1942
Robert Robinson Taylor, American architect (born 1868) Wikipedia: Robert Robinson Taylor · ✓ Wikidata · 7 languages
1935
Victor Grignard, French chemist and academic, Nobel Prize laureate (born 1871) Wikipedia: Victor Grignard · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 79 languages
1932
Georgios Jakobides, Greek painter and sculptor (born 1853) Wikipedia: Georgios Jakobides · ✓ Wikidata · 14 languages
1931
Gustave Le Bon, French psychologist, sociologist, and anthropologist (born 1840) Wikipedia: Gustave Le Bon · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 85 languages
1930
Fritz Pregl, Slovenian-Austrian chemist and physician, Nobel Prize laureate (born 1869) Wikipedia: Fritz Pregl · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 64 languages
1929
Rosina Heikel, Finnish physician (born 1842) Wikipedia: Rosina Heikel · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 15 languages
1927
Mehmet Nadir, Turkish mathematician and academic (born 1856) Wikipedia: Mehmet Nadir · ✓ Wikidata · 4 languages
1924
Samuel Gompers, English-born American labor leader, founded the American Federation of Labor (born 1850) Wikipedia: Samuel Gompers · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 21 languages
1922
Arthur Wesley Dow, American painter and photographer (born 1857) Wikipedia: Arthur Wesley Dow · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 20 languages
1922
Hannes Hafstein, Icelandic poet and politician, 1st Prime Minister of Iceland (born 1861) Wikipedia: Hannes Hafstein · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 25 languages
1919
Woldemar Voigt, German physicist and academic (born 1850) Wikipedia: Woldemar Voigt · ✓ Wikidata · 25 languages
1911
Reggie Duff, Australian cricketer (born 1878) Wikipedia: Reggie Duff · ✓ Wikidata · 8 languages
1908
Augustus Le Plongeon, French photographer and historian (born 1825) Wikipedia: Augustus Le Plongeon · ✓ Wikidata · 13 languages
1895
Ányos Jedlik, Hungarian physicist and engineer (born 1800) Wikipedia: Ányos Jedlik · ✓ Wikidata · 22 languages
1893
Georg August Rudolph, German lawyer and politician, 3rd Mayor of Marburg (born 1816) Wikipedia: Georg August Rudolph · ✓ Wikidata · 3 languages
1883
Victor de Laprade, French poet and critic (born 1812) Wikipedia: Victor de Laprade · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 16 languages
1881
August Šenoa, Croatian author and poet (born 1838) Wikipedia: August Šenoa · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 32 languages
1868
Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius, German botanist and explorer (born 1794) Wikipedia: Carl Friedrich Philipp von Martius · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 36 languages
1863
Christian Friedrich Hebbel, German poet and playwright (born 1813) Wikipedia: Friedrich Hebbel · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 65 languages
1862
Thomas Reade Rootes Cobb, American general, lawyer, and politician (born 1823) Wikipedia: Thomas R. R. Cobb · ✓ Wikidata · 10 languages
1849
Johann Centurius Hoffmannsegg, German botanist and entomologist (born 1766) Wikipedia: Johann Centurius Hoffmannsegg · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 18 languages
1814
Charles-Joseph, 7th Prince of Ligne, Belgian-Austrian field marshal (born 1735) Wikipedia: Charles-Joseph, 7th Prince of Ligne · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 38 languages
1784
Samuel Johnson, English poet and lexicographer (born 1709) Wikipedia: Samuel Johnson · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 134 languages
1783
Pehr Wilhelm Wargentin, Swedish astronomer and demographer (born 1717) Wikipedia: Pehr Wilhelm Wargentin · ✓ Wikidata · 13 languages
1769
Christian Fürchtegott Gellert, German poet and hymn-writer (born 1715) Wikipedia: Christian Fürchtegott Gellert · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 41 languages
1758
Noël Doiron, Canadian Acadia leader (born 1684) Wikipedia: Noël Doiron · ✓ Wikidata · 2 languages
1754
Mahmud I, Ottoman sultan (born 1696) Wikipedia: Mahmud I · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 69 languages
1729
Anthony Collins, English philosopher and author (born 1676) Wikipedia: Anthony Collins (philosopher) · ✓ Wikidata · 22 languages
1721
Alexander Selkirk, Scottish sailor (born 1676) Wikipedia: Alexander Selkirk · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 44 languages
1716
Charles de La Fosse, French painter (born 1640) Wikipedia: Charles de La Fosse · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 18 languages
1671
Antonio Grassi, Italian Roman Catholic priest(born 1592) Wikipedia: Antonio Grassi · ✓ Wikidata · 5 languages
1621
Katarina Stenbock, queen of Gustav I of Sweden (born 1535) Wikipedia: Catherine Stenbock · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 24 languages
1565
Conrad Gessner, Swiss botanist and physician (born 1516) Wikipedia: Conrad Gessner · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 59 languages
1557
Niccolò Fontana Tartaglia, Italian mathematician and engineer (born 1499) Wikipedia: Nicolo Tartaglia · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 55 languages
1521
Manuel I of Portugal (born 1469) Wikipedia: Manuel I of Portugal · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 63 languages
1516
Johannes Trithemius, German cryptographer and historian (born 1462) Wikipedia: Johannes Trithemius · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 34 languages
1466
Donatello, Italian painter and sculptor (born 1386) Wikipedia: Donatello · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 108 languages
1404
Albert I, Duke of Bavaria (born 1336) Wikipedia: Albert I of Bavaria · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 30 languages
1272
Bertold of Regensburg, German preacher Wikipedia: Bertold of Regensburg · ✓ Wikidata · 11 languages
1250
Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor (born 1194) Wikipedia: Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 93 languages
1204
Maimonides, Spanish rabbi and philosopher (born 1135) Wikipedia: Maimonides · ✓ 4 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 110 languages
1126
Henry IX, Duke of Bavaria (born 1075) Wikipedia: Henry IX of Bavaria · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 29 languages
1124
Pope Callixtus II (born 1065) Wikipedia: Pope Callixtus II · ✓ 5 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 77 languages
859
Angilbert II, archbishop of Milan Wikipedia: Angilbert II · ✓ Wikidata · 6 languages
838
Pepin I of Aquitaine (born 797) Wikipedia: Pepin I of Aquitaine · ✓ 3 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 36 languages
769
Du Hongjian, Chinese politician (born 709) Wikipedia: Du Hongjian · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · 5 languages
558
Childebert I, Frankish king (born 496) Wikipedia: Childebert I · ✓ 2 Wikipedias · ✓ Wikidata · 53 languages

Every day in December

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Source: Wikipedia: wikipedia.org (CC BY-SA 4.0)