On December 13th:

 1642  New Zealand is Discovered by Abel Tasman

Dutch explorer Abel Tasman became the first European to reach the islands of New Zealand on December 13th, 1642. His voyage contributed to the European exploration of the Pacific.

 1937  The Nanjing Massacre Begins

A tragic chapter in history unfolded on December 13th, 1937, as the Imperial Japanese Army began the brutal occupation of Nanjing, China. The Nanjing Massacre resulted in widespread atrocities and remains a solemn reminder of the human cost of war.

2003  Saddam Hussein, Former Iraqi Dictator, is Captured

On this day in 2003, former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was captured by U.S. forces near his hometown of Tikrit. His arrest marked a significant moment in the aftermath of the Iraq War.