December 13

    What happened on December 13 in history

    6 events fall on December 13, from 1577 to 2003. Read them below, then try to place a historical scene yourself — guess where in the world it happened and in what year.

    Events on December 13

    1. 1577

      Drake sets out

      The Golden Hind leaves Plymouth on the voyage round the world.

      Play the Medieval & Renaissance round

    2. 1642

      Tasman sights New Zealand

      The Dutch navigator becomes the first European to see the islands.

      Play the Exploration & revolution round

    3. 1642

      Tasman reaches New Zealand

      The Dutch expedition sights the South Island.

      Play the Exploration & revolution round

    4. 1937

      The Nanjing massacre begins

      Japanese troops enter the city and weeks of atrocities follow.

      Play the 20th century round

    5. 1972

      The last men leave the Moon

      Cernan and Schmitt end the final Apollo moonwalk.

      Read about Sydney Opera House Under ConstructionPlay the 20th century round

    6. 2003

      Saddam Hussein is captured

      He is found in a hole near Tikrit.

    Guess where and when

    Explore a 360° historical scene and place it on the map and the timeline. Free, no sign-up.

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