December 13

What happened on December 13 in history

5 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.

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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. 1937

    The Nanjing massacre begins

    Japanese troops enter the city and weeks of atrocities follow.

    Play the 20th century round

  4. 1972

    The last men leave the Moon

    Cernan and Schmitt end the final Apollo moonwalk.

    Play the 20th century round

  5. 2003

    Saddam Hussein is captured

    He is found in a hole near Tikrit.