Major Events

537 – Hagia Sophia consecrated in Constantinople Emperor Justinian I inaugurates the Hagia Sophia, an engineering marvel of the ancient world and one of the most iconic structures in religious and architectural history.

1831 – Charles Darwin sets sail on HMS Beagle Darwin begins his five-year voyage around the world, gathering observations that will later form the foundation of evolutionary theory.

1845 – U.S. annexes Texas President James K. Polk signs legislation finalising the annexation of Texas, triggering diplomatic tensions and contributing to the Mexican–American War.

1932 – Radio City Music Hall opens in New York City The venue debuts with great celebration, soon becoming one of the world’s most famous theatres and a symbol of American entertainment culture.

1945 – International Monetary Fund (IMF) established The IMF is formally created to stabilise global financial systems and support postwar economic reconstruction.

1968 – Apollo 8 returns safely to Earth After becoming the first crewed spacecraft to orbit the Moon, the mission splashes down in the Pacific Ocean, marking a major triumph for NASA.

1978 – Spain adopts its new democratic constitution After decades of dictatorship, Spain inaugurates a new era of democracy with overwhelming public approval.

2007 – Assassination of Benazir Bhutto Pakistan’s former Prime Minister is killed at a political rally in Rawalpindi, triggering widespread unrest and global condemnation.

2013 – China launches its first lunar rover mission The Chang’e 3 mission continues China’s growing space exploration efforts with the successful operation of the Yutu rover.

Famous Birthdays

1571 – Johannes Kepler, German astronomer (d. 1630) A central figure in the scientific revolution known for planetary motion laws.

1822 – Louis Pasteur, French chemist (d. 1895) Pioneer of microbiology, vaccination, and pasteurisation.

1901 – Marlene Dietrich, German-American actress (d. 1992) Iconic film star known for glamorous roles and cultural influence.

1927 – Alan King, American comedian (d. 2004) Stand-up performer and actor with a long career in entertainment.

1948 – Gerard Depardieu, French actor Acclaimed international performer known for dramatic and comedic roles.

1951 – Terry Bozzio, American drummer Renowned musician known for innovative drumming techniques.

1965 – Salman Khan, Indian actor One of Bollywood’s most prominent figures across decades.

1976 – Jay Kay, English musician Frontman of Jamiroquai, known for funk and acid jazz influence.

1986 – Emilie de Ravin, Australian actress Known for major roles in television and film globally.

Notable Deaths

537 – Anthemios of Tralles, Byzantine architect (b. circa 474) One of the primary architects behind the Hagia Sophia.

1834 – Charles Lamb, English essayist (b. 1775) Beloved writer renowned for his essays and literary criticism.

1919 – Amelia Edith Barr, British novelist (b. 1831) Prolific author widely read during her lifetime.

1935 – Jacques Bainville, French historian (b. 1879) Political writer known for conservative analysis and historical essays.

1979 – Hafizullah Amin, Afghan leader (b. 1929) Assassinated during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

2003 – Alan Bates, British actor (b. 1934) Distinguished performer across stage, film, and television.

2006 – Saddam Hussein, Iraqi president (b. 1937) Executed following trial for crimes against humanity.

2015 – Meadowlark Lemon, American basketball entertainer (b. 1932) Famed member of the Harlem Globetrotters.

Holidays

• St. Stephen’s Day (many European countries)
• Third Day of Christmas (Christian liturgical calendar)
• National Fruitcake Day (United States)
• Proclamation Day (South Australia)

Fun Facts

• The Hagia Sophia remained the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a thousand years.
• Darwin nearly refused the Beagle voyage due to seasickness concerns.
• Radio City Music Hall originally served as a showcase for stage revues before becoming synonymous with concerts and premieres.
• Apollo 8’s Earthrise photo, taken on December 24 and celebrated on the return date, remains one of the most influential images ever captured from space.