December 15 has witnessed numerous pivotal events throughout history, spanning diverse realms such as military conflicts, scientific achievements, and monumental shifts in policy and culture.
From the decisive battles of ancient and modern wars to significant advancements in exploration and technology, this date marks moments that have shaped nations and influenced global dynamics.
This article delves into twenty significant events that occurred on December 15, presenting a chronological journey through time to highlight the impact and legacy of these historical milestones.
December 15th – On this Day in History
533 – Byzantine General Belisarius Defeats the Vandals
In the year 533, Byzantine General Belisarius achieved a significant military victory at the Battle of Ticameron. This battle was part of the Vandalic War, where the Byzantine Empire sought to reclaim the North African territories from the Vandal Kingdom.
Also Read: December 14th – On this Day in History
Belisarius, known for his strategic acumen, led the Byzantine forces against the Vandals, commanded by King Gelimer. The battle was decisive, leading to the collapse of the Vandal Kingdom and its subsequent incorporation into the Byzantine Empire.
This victory marked a pivotal moment in the Byzantine reconquest efforts, strengthening their hold over the Mediterranean region.
687 – St. Sergius I Becomes Pope

On December 15, 687, St. Sergius I ascended to the papacy, marking the beginning of his reign as the Pope of the Catholic Church.
His tenure came during a period of significant religious and political challenges. Sergius I is remembered for his contributions to the liturgy, including the introduction of the Agnus Dei chant in the Mass.
Also Read: December 16th – On this Day in History
His papacy also faced the issue of the Quinisext Council, whose canons he did not fully endorse, leading to tensions with the Byzantine Emperor. Despite these challenges, Sergius I maintained the church’s stability and spiritual guidance during his time as Pope.
1256 – Hulagu Khan Captures Alamut
In 1256, Hulagu Khan, a Mongol ruler, captured and destroyed the Hashshashin stronghold at Alamut in present-day Iran. This event was part of the broader Mongol offensive aimed at consolidating power in Southwest Asia.
The Hashshashins, also known as the Assassins, were a secretive sect known for their political murders. The fall of Alamut marked the end of their influence and demonstrated the Mongol Empire’s growing dominance. Hulagu’s campaign was instrumental in shaping the political landscape of the region, leading to further Mongol advances into the Middle East.
1488 – Bartolomeu Dias Returns to Portugal
On December 15, 1488, Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias returned to Portugal after his pioneering voyage around the southernmost tip of Africa. Dias’s journey was the first known European expedition to sail around the Cape of Good Hope, opening a sea route to Asia.
This discovery was crucial for the establishment of a maritime trade route between Europe and Asia, bypassing the overland routes controlled by Middle Eastern and Central Asian powers. Dias’s successful navigation around the Cape marked a significant milestone in the Age of Exploration, paving the way for future expeditions by explorers like Vasco da Gama.
1791 – United States Bill of Rights Ratified
On December 15, 1791, the United States Bill of Rights was ratified by the Virginia General Assembly, becoming law.
The Bill of Rights comprises the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution and guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, religion, and the press, as well as protections against unreasonable searches and seizures and cruel and unusual punishment.
The ratification of the Bill of Rights was a landmark moment in American history, ensuring the protection of individual liberties and setting a precedent for human rights globally. These amendments have since become a cornerstone of American democracy and legal philosophy.
1836 – U.S. Patent Office Building Burns Down

On December 15, 1836, the U.S. Patent Office building in Washington, D.C., was destroyed by fire. The blaze consumed thousands of patents and valuable records, dealing a severe blow to American innovation and intellectual property.
This catastrophic event highlighted the need for better fireproofing and record-keeping practices in government buildings. Following the fire, efforts were made to restore and improve the Patent Office, leading to the construction of a new, more secure facility. The loss underscored the importance of safeguarding intellectual property and served as a catalyst for modernizing the patent system in the United States.
1864 – American Civil War: Battle of Nashville Begins
The Battle of Nashville, one of the significant engagements of the American Civil War, began on December 15, 1864. Union forces under Major General George H. Thomas faced off against the Confederate Army of Tennessee, led by General John Bell Hood.
The battle was part of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign and was crucial for the Union’s efforts to reclaim control over the South. Over two days, Union troops launched a series of well-coordinated assaults, ultimately leading to a decisive victory that shattered the Confederate army. The outcome of the Battle of Nashville significantly weakened the Confederacy and hastened the end of the Civil War.
1890 – Sioux Chief Sitting Bull Killed
On December 15, 1890, Sioux Chief Sitting Bull was killed by Indian police on the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North Dakota. Sitting Bull was a prominent leader and spiritual figure among the Lakota Sioux, known for his role in the resistance against U.S. government policies.
His death occurred during an attempt to arrest him amid fears that he would join the Ghost Dance movement, which the U.S. authorities perceived as a threat. Sitting Bull’s death was a tragic event, symbolizing the broader struggles and injustices faced by Native American tribes during the westward expansion of the United States. His legacy as a resilient and influential leader endures in Native American history.
1903 – Italo Marchioni Patents the Ice Cream Cone
On December 15, 1903, Italo Marchioni, an Italian immigrant in the United States, received a patent for his innovative ice cream cone. Marchioni’s invention revolutionized the way ice cream was served and enjoyed, providing a convenient and edible alternative to the traditional glass or metal containers.
This simple yet transformative idea quickly gained popularity, becoming a staple in the ice cream industry. The ice cream cone allowed for greater mobility and accessibility of the dessert, contributing to its widespread appeal. Marchioni’s patent not only marked a milestone in culinary innovation but also exemplified the inventive spirit of the early 20th century.
1906 – London Underground’s Great Northern, Piccadilly and Brompton Railway Opens
On December 15, 1906, the Great Northern, Piccadilly and Brompton Railway, part of the London Underground network, officially opened. This new line significantly expanded London’s public transportation system, providing a crucial link between the northern and southwestern parts of the city.
The opening of the railway marked an important development in urban transit, facilitating more efficient and convenient travel for London’s growing population.
The Great Northern, Piccadilly and Brompton Railway, now part of the Piccadilly line, continues to serve as a vital artery in the London Underground, reflecting the enduring legacy of early 20th-century infrastructure projects in shaping modern urban life.
1914 – World War I: Serbian Army Recaptures Belgrade

On December 15, 1914, during World War I, the Serbian Army successfully recaptured Belgrade from the invading Austro-Hungarian forces. This victory was part of a broader counteroffensive that the Serbian military launched after months of intense and grueling battles.
The recapture of Belgrade was not only a strategic victory but also a significant morale booster for the Serbian forces and population. Despite being outnumbered and facing a well-equipped enemy, the Serbs demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical ingenuity.
This victory underscored the determination of the Serbian people to defend their homeland and highlighted the complexities and shifting fortunes of the war in the Balkans.
1933 – Twenty-First Amendment Repeals Prohibition
On December 15, 1933, the Twenty-first Amendment to the United States Constitution officially took effect, repealing the Eighteenth Amendment and ending Prohibition. Prohibition, which had begun in 1920, banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages across the United States.
While initially intended to curb social problems and reduce crime, Prohibition instead led to widespread illegal activity and the rise of organized crime. The repeal was seen as a necessary correction to a well-intentioned but ultimately flawed policy. The end of Prohibition allowed for the legal regulation of alcohol, bringing significant economic benefits and reducing the influence of criminal enterprises associated with the illegal alcohol trade.
1939 – Gone with the Wind Premieres in Atlanta
On December 15, 1939, the film “Gone with the Wind” premiered in Atlanta, Georgia. Directed by Victor Fleming and based on Margaret Mitchell’s novel of the same name, the film starred Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh. “Gone with the Wind” became an instant classic, celebrated for its epic storytelling, lavish production, and memorable performances.
The premiere was a major cultural event, attended by celebrities and significant public figures, and it marked the beginning of the film’s enduring legacy in American cinema. Despite its critical acclaim and box office success, the film has also been the subject of controversy due to its romanticized portrayal of the antebellum South and its depictions of race and slavery.
1941 – Drobitsky Yar Massacre
On December 15, 1941, during World War II, German forces carried out the Drobitsky Yar massacre near Kharkiv, Ukraine, murdering over 15,000 Jews. This atrocity was part of the broader Holocaust, where Nazi Germany systematically exterminated six million Jews.
The massacre at Drobitsky Yar was conducted by Einsatzgruppen, mobile killing units responsible for mass shootings of Jews, communists, and other groups deemed undesirable by the Nazi regime.
The victims, including men, women, and children, were rounded up, taken to a ravine, and shot. The Drobitsky Yar massacre is a stark reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust and the brutal reality of Nazi occupation in Eastern Europe.
1946 – United Nations General Assembly Establishes Headquarters in New York City
On December 15, 1946, the United Nations General Assembly voted to establish its headquarters in New York City. This decision was a significant step in the post-World War II effort to create a global organization dedicated to maintaining international peace and security, promoting human rights, and fostering social and economic development.
The selection of New York City reflected the United States’ growing influence and commitment to international cooperation. The UN headquarters, located along the East River in Manhattan, became a symbol of hope and diplomacy, where representatives from member states convene to address global issues and work towards collective solutions. The establishment of the UN headquarters marked a new era in international relations and governance.
1961 – Adolf Eichmann Sentenced to Death

On December 15, 1961, Adolf Eichmann, one of the key architects of the Holocaust, was sentenced to death by an Israeli court after being found guilty of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and other serious charges.
Eichmann had been a high-ranking SS officer and was instrumental in organizing the logistics of mass deportations of Jews to ghettos and extermination camps across Nazi-occupied Europe.
His trial, held in Jerusalem, was a landmark event that brought the horrors of the Holocaust to global attention and underscored the principle of individual accountability for war crimes and genocide. Eichmann’s capture by Mossad agents in Argentina and his subsequent trial and execution by hanging in 1962 were pivotal moments in the pursuit of justice for Holocaust victims.
1965 – Gemini 6A Launch
On December 15, 1965, NASA launched Gemini 6A, a manned spaceflight mission as part of the Gemini program. Crew members Wally Schirra and Thomas Stafford were tasked with achieving the first rendezvous in space with another spacecraft, Gemini 7, which had been launched earlier.
Despite initial setbacks, including an aborted launch attempt three days prior, Gemini 6A successfully lifted off from Cape Kennedy (now Kennedy Space Center) and completed its mission objectives.
The successful rendezvous, where the two spacecraft maneuvered to within a foot of each other, demonstrated critical techniques needed for future lunar missions. This mission marked a significant milestone in space exploration, showcasing the United States’ growing capabilities in manned spaceflight.
1970 – Venera 7 Successfully Lands on Venus
On December 15, 1970, the Soviet spacecraft Venera 7 achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first human-made object to successfully land on Venus and transmit data back to Earth. The Venera 7 mission was part of the Soviet Union’s Venera program, which aimed to explore Venus, a planet shrouded in mystery due to its thick, cloud-covered atmosphere.
The spacecraft transmitted data for about 23 minutes from the Venusian surface, providing valuable information about the planet’s harsh conditions, including surface temperature and atmospheric pressure.
This achievement represented a significant leap in planetary exploration, demonstrating the feasibility of landing on and studying our neighboring planets despite extreme environmental challenges.
1989 – Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Adopted
On December 15, 1989, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Second Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), aiming at the abolition of the death penalty. This protocol was an important development in the global human rights movement, reflecting a growing consensus against capital punishment.
By committing to this protocol, signatory countries agreed to take all necessary measures to abolish the death penalty within their jurisdictions, except in cases of war crimes or crimes committed during wartime. The adoption of the Second Optional Protocol underscored the international community’s dedication to promoting the right to life and advancing human rights standards worldwide.
2011 – United States Formally Ends Its Mission in Iraq
On December 15, 2011, the United States formally ended its military mission in Iraq with a ceremony in Baghdad, marking the conclusion of nearly nine years of military involvement in the country.
The Iraq War, which began in 2003 with the U.S.-led invasion to overthrow Saddam Hussein, had profound and far-reaching consequences for Iraq, the Middle East, and global geopolitics.
The official end of the mission involved the withdrawal of the remaining U.S. troops, although some forces stayed behind in a non-combat role to assist with training and advising the Iraqi security forces. The end of the U.S. mission was a significant moment in recent history, symbolizing the transition of Iraq toward self-governance and highlighting the complexities and challenges of post-war reconstruction and stability.