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.
1937The 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.
2003Saddam 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.
