Browse Historical Events by Month: What Happened in December?

Roman Emperor Nero is born, eventually becoming known for his tyrannical rule and the Great Fire of Rome.

Roman Emperor Augustus celebrates the Ludi Saeculares, a secular games event, marking the end of a saeculum (a generation) and the beginning of a new one.

The death of Trajan, one of Rome's greatest emperors, and the accession of his successor, Hadrian.

Pope Julius I officially establishes December 25 as the date of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, now known as Christmas.

Roman Emperor Constantius II decrees that the pagan festival of Sol Invictus coincides with Christmas, promoting Christianity.

The death of Chrysaphius, a eunuch advisor to the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, who played a controversial role in the court.

The Gothic War, fought between the Eastern Roman Empire and the Ostrogoths, sees a significant battle at Taginae, resulting in a Byzantine victory.

Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, is significantly damaged by a 6.4 magnitude earthquake. More

Saint Columba, an Irish missionary, dies, leaving a lasting legacy in spreading Christianity in Scotland.

The beginning of the construction of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, an iconic Islamic shrine.

Charlemagne becomes the King of the Franks after the death of his brother Carloman I.

The Byzantine Empire defeats the forces of the Abbasid Caliphate at the Battle of Mehmetçik, marking a significant victory in the Byzantine-Arab Wars.

The Muslim scholar and polymath Al-Khwarizmi is born, known for his contributions to algebra and mathematics.

The Treaty of Verdun is signed, dividing the Carolingian Empire into three parts, marking the beginning of the Carolingian dissolution.

The Danelaw, a region of England under Viking control, sees a series of treaties between the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons.

The Buddhist monk Fadeng begins a journey to India, which would later contribute to Chinese Buddhist scholarship.

Otto I, King of Germany, defeats the Magyars at the Battle of Lechfeld, halting their invasion of Western Europe.

Emperor Otto I of the Holy Roman Empire dies, and he is succeeded by his son Otto II.

The Byzantine emperor Basil II wins a decisive victory against the Bulgarians at the Battle of Spercheios.

The coronation of Stephen I as the first Christian king of Hungary, a significant event in the Christianization of the Hungarian people.