What Happened in December?

The first recorded solar eclipse in ancient Babylonia, which marked the beginning of systematic astronomical observations.

The Second Punic War begins with the Carthaginian victory at the Battle of the Trebia in December 218 BCE. The battle was the first major engagement of the war, which was triggered by Hannibal's attack on the Roman-allied city of Saguntum in Spain. The battle was a crushing defeat for the Romans and a decisive victory for Hannibal, who led his forces across the Alps to invade Italy.

Hannibal of Carthage wins the Battle of the Trebbia against the Roman Republic during the Second Punic War. Hannibal won the Battle by luring the Romans across the cold, swollen Trebia River, then attacking them from three sides with his cavalry, elephants, and a hidden force.  eventually encircling and routing the Roman army.

Gaius Gracchus, a Roman politician and reformer, is born. He would later become known for his attempts to enact land and citizenship reforms.

The birth of Cicero, one of Rome's most famous orators, statesmen, and philosophers.

The siege of Jerusalem by the Roman general Titus ends with the destruction of the Second Temple.

The birth of the Roman poet Horace (Quintus Horatius Flaccus), known for his Odes and Satires.

The birth of the Roman historian and author of "The History of Rome," Livy (Titus Livius).

The Second Triumvirate in Rome, comprising Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus is established, split ing the Roman world into three sets of provinces and giving each one of the rulers practically absolute power.

The birth of the Roman poet and philosopher, Seneca the Younger (Lucius Annaeus Seneca).

The Roman poet and author of the "Metamorphoses," Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso), is born.

The 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 Roman emperor Augustus officially adopts his stepson and heir, Tiberius, as his son.

The traditionally celebrated birth of Jesus Christ, though the exact date remains a subject of debate among scholars.

Herod the Great dies, according to some estimates, around this date. Herod is known for his role in the Nativity story.

The Roman Emperor Vespasian captures the city of Jerusalem, effectively ending the First Jewish-Roman War.

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

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.