Today in History

Historical Events

274 - Roman Emperor Aurelian dedicates a temple to Sol Invictus in Rome, on supposed day of the winter solstice, fulfilling vow made during campaign in Palmyra
1818 - First known Christmas carol, "Silent Night, Holy Night" (Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht'), is sung in Austria
1921 - Last major Potlatch (ceremony) by Chief Daniel Cranmer (Kwakwaka’wakw) from Alert Bay, British Columbia. Twenty-six people arrested, their masks and regalia sold by Canadian government.
2012 - 27 people are killed after an Antonov An-72 plane crashes near Shymkent, Kazakhstan
2016 - Russian military defence plane crashes into the Black Sea after takeoff from Sochi airport, killing all 92 on board

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Famous Birthdays

1932 - Mabel King (née Washington) American stage and screen actress and singer (What's Happening!!; The Wiz), born in Charleston, South Carolina (d. 1999)
1938 - Duane Armstrong, American painter (Fields of Grass), born in Fresno, California
1957 - Chris Kamara, English soccer midfielder (Swindon Town FC, Brentford FC) and commentator (Sky Sports), born in Middlesbrough, England
1975 - Marcus Trescothick, English cricket batsman (76 Tests, 14 x 100s, HS 219; 123 ODIs; Somerset CCC), born in Keynsham, England
1978 - Jeremy Strong, American actor (Succession), born in Boston, Massachusetts

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Famous Deaths

1976 - Frank...