1577CE
Exploration
Drake Begins Circumnavigation
English explorer Francis Drake sets sail from Plymouth, England, aboard the Golden Hind to begin his historic circumnavigation of the globe.
Daily Chronicle
December 13
4 Historical Records
1937CE
War
Nanjing Massacre Begins
During the Second Sino-Japanese War, the Imperial Japanese Army captures Nanjing and begins a campaign of mass murder and mass rape against the residents.
1989CE
Birth
Taylor Swift Born
American singer-songwriter who has become one of the most successful and influential musical artists of the 21st century. Known for narrative-driven songwriting, she has won numerous Grammy Awards and broken countless industry records.
2003CE
War
Saddam Hussein Captured
Operation Red Dawn results in the capture of former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein, who is found hiding in a small underground bunker near his hometown.