December 17 Events in History

December 17 has witnessed a series of significant historical events that have shaped the course of human history.

From ancient festivals and military conquests to groundbreaking technological achievements and pivotal political moments, this date offers a rich tapestry of occurrences that highlight the diversity of human experience.

In this article, we delve into 20 notable events that happened on December 17, providing a chronological journey through the past that illuminates the enduring impact of these moments on our world today.

December 17th – On this Day in History

497 BC – The First Saturnalia Festival in Rome

The first Saturnalia festival, celebrated in 497 BC, was a significant event in ancient Rome. Saturnalia was a holiday in honor of the god Saturn, and it began on December 17th with a public sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn, followed by a public banquet, private gift-giving, continual partying, and a carnival atmosphere that overturned Roman social norms.

Also Read: December 16 Events in History

Masters served their slaves, and the usually strict dress codes were relaxed. The festivities could last several days and became one of the most popular Roman festivals, influencing later Western celebrations such as Christmas and New Year’s.

546 – Ostrogoths Captured Rome

546 - Ostrogoths Captured Rome

In 546, the Ostrogoths under King Totila captured Rome in a dramatic event during the Gothic War against the Byzantine Empire. Totila’s forces managed to take the city by bribing the Byzantine garrison, highlighting the political and military instability of the time.

Also Read: December 18th – On this Day in History

This event marked a significant point in the protracted struggle between the Ostrogoths and the Byzantines, showcasing Totila’s strategic acumen and the declining power of the Roman Empire in the West. The capture had far-reaching consequences for the control and administration of Rome and its surrounding territories.

1538 – Pope Paul III Excommunicated Henry VIII

On December 17, 1538, Pope Paul III excommunicated Henry VIII of England, a pivotal moment in the history of the English Reformation. This action was in response to Henry’s break with the Roman Catholic Church following his decision to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon, an act that the Pope refused to sanction.

Henry’s subsequent establishment of the Church of England, with himself as its Supreme Head, marked a major shift in religious and political power, diminishing the Pope’s influence in England and leading to significant religious, social, and economic changes throughout the country.

1583 – Battle of Godesberg in the Cologne War

The Battle of Godesberg, part of the Cologne War, occurred on December 17, 1583. Forces under Ernest of Bavaria, backed by Spain, defeated the supporters of Gebhard Truchsess von Waldburg, the Protestant Archbishop of Cologne.

Battle of Godesberg

The battle was crucial in the Catholic-Protestant conflict within the Holy Roman Empire, reflecting the broader religious tensions of the period. Ernest’s victory solidified Catholic control over Cologne and underscored the intense and often violent nature of the Reformation and Counter-Reformation struggles that reshaped the political and religious landscape of Europe during the 16th century.

1718 – Great Britain Declared War on Spain

On December 17, 1718, Great Britain declared war on Spain, initiating the War of the Quadruple Alliance. This conflict was part of a larger series of European wars involving the shifting alliances of major powers.

The war arose from Spain’s attempts to regain territories lost in the War of the Spanish Succession, leading to a coalition formed by Britain, France, Austria, and the Dutch Republic to check Spanish ambitions.

The declaration of war by Britain was a strategic move to protect its interests and maintain the balance of power in Europe, demonstrating the interconnected nature of European politics and warfare during this period.

1777 – France Recognized American Independence

On December 17, 1777, France formally recognized American independence from Great Britain, a pivotal moment in the American Revolutionary War.

This recognition followed the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga, which convinced France that the American cause was viable. France’s support was crucial, providing military aid, supplies, and eventually, troops and naval support.

This alliance significantly bolstered the American war effort and helped tip the balance in favor of the revolutionaries. The formal recognition by France also paved the way for further international support, marking a turning point in the struggle for American independence.

1790 – Discovery of the Aztec Calendar Stone

The Aztec calendar stone, also known as the Sun Stone, was discovered on December 17, 1790, in Mexico City. Unearthed during repairs to the Cathedral of Mexico City, this massive basalt disk is one of the most iconic artifacts of pre-Columbian Mexico.

The stone, which dates back to the 15th century, features intricate carvings that represent the Aztec cosmogony and calendar system. It is believed to have been used for ceremonial purposes and to depict the Aztec understanding of time and the universe.

The discovery of the Aztec calendar stone provided invaluable insights into the advanced astronomical and mathematical knowledge of the Aztecs and remains a symbol of their rich cultural heritage.

1835 – The Great Fire of New York

1835 - The Great Fire of New York

On the night of December 17, 1835, a devastating fire broke out in New York City, causing widespread destruction. Known as the Great Fire of New York, it destroyed 530 buildings in the city’s financial district.

The fire started in a warehouse and quickly spread due to high winds and sub-zero temperatures, which caused the water in the fire hoses to freeze.

The inferno consumed much of the area around Wall Street and the South Street Seaport, resulting in significant economic losses.

The disaster highlighted the need for improved firefighting techniques and infrastructure, leading to advancements in urban fire safety and the development of modern firefighting equipment.

1862 – General Ulysses S. Grant Issued General Order No. 11

On December 17, 1862, during the American Civil War, General Ulysses S. Grant issued General Order No. 11, which expelled all Jews from his military district, encompassing parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Kentucky. The order was a response to allegations of black market trading and smuggling, which Grant attributed to Jewish traders.

This controversial and discriminatory decree sparked outrage and was condemned by Jewish leaders and communities across the country. President Abraham Lincoln revoked the order in January 1863, after appeals from Jewish leaders. General Order No. 11 remains a dark chapter in American history, reflecting the prejudices and challenges faced by minority communities during the Civil War.

1865 – First Performance of “Our American Cousin” in Australia

On December 17, 1865, the play “Our American Cousin” had its first performance in Australia. This comedy, written by Tom Taylor, gained widespread fame (and infamy) in the United States as the play being performed at Ford’s Theatre when President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

The Australian premiere took place at the Theatre Royal in Melbourne, introducing local audiences to the humorous story of an awkward American who visits his aristocratic English relatives.

The play’s popularity in Australia mirrored its success in other parts of the world, demonstrating the universal appeal of its humor and the growing global exchange of cultural works in the 19th century.

1903 – The Wright Brothers Made the First Powered, Heavier-than-Air Flight

Wright Flyer

On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made history by achieving the first powered, heavier-than-air flight in their aircraft, the Wright Flyer, at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. This groundbreaking flight lasted 12 seconds and covered 120 feet, marking the beginning of modern aviation.

The Wright brothers’ success was the result of years of meticulous experimentation with gliders and engine designs. Their achievement demonstrated the feasibility of controlled, powered flight, opening the door to the development of the aviation industry and transforming transportation, warfare, and global connectivity.

1926 – Agatha Christie Found in Harrogate Hotel

On December 17, 1926, famous mystery writer Agatha Christie was found in a hotel in Harrogate, Yorkshire, after being missing for 11 days. Christie’s disappearance sparked a nationwide manhunt and intense media speculation. She had left her home under mysterious circumstances, leading to various theories, including amnesia and emotional distress.

When discovered, Christie claimed to have no memory of the events. This incident remains one of the most intriguing episodes in her life, reflecting elements of mystery and suspense similar to those found in her novels. Despite the ordeal, Christie continued to write prolifically, solidifying her reputation as the “Queen of Mystery.”

1935 – First Flight of the Douglas DC-3

On December 17, 1935, the Douglas DC-3 aircraft made its maiden flight, revolutionizing air travel and transport. Designed by the Douglas Aircraft Company, the DC-3 became one of the most influential aircraft in aviation history due to its reliability, range, and capacity. It could carry 21 passengers comfortably, which was a significant improvement over earlier models.

The DC-3’s efficiency made it the backbone of many airlines and a key transport aircraft during World War II. Its impact was so profound that many DC-3s are still in use today, demonstrating its lasting legacy in aviation.

1938 – Discovery of the First Living Coelacanth in South Africa

On December 17, 1938, the first living coelacanth, a prehistoric fish thought to have been extinct for 66 million years, was discovered off the coast of South Africa. Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer, a museum curator, identified the unusual fish caught by a local fisherman.

The discovery of the coelacanth, often dubbed a “living fossil,” provided a unique glimpse into a species that had existed virtually unchanged for hundreds of millions of years.

This find challenged scientific understanding of evolutionary biology and underscored the mysteries still present in the world’s oceans. The coelacanth’s discovery remains one of the most significant finds in natural history.

1960 – Haile Selassie’s Troops Suppressed Revolt by Imperial Bodyguard

On December 17, 1960, troops loyal to Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia successfully suppressed a coup attempt by the Imperial Bodyguard. The revolt aimed to overthrow Selassie and install a more progressive government, capitalizing on the emperor’s absence while he was on a state visit to Brazil.

Led by the Imperial Guard commander, the coup initially gained control of parts of Addis Ababa and declared a new government. However, loyalist forces quickly regrouped and defeated the insurgents.

The failed coup highlighted the internal political tensions and the challenges facing Selassie’s regime, which sought to modernize Ethiopia while maintaining its traditional structures.

1967 – Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt Officially Presumed Dead

On December 17, 1967, Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt was officially presumed dead after disappearing while swimming near Portsea, Victoria. Holt went missing in heavy surf at Cheviot Beach, and despite extensive search efforts, no trace of him was ever found.

His disappearance led to widespread speculation and conspiracy theories, although the official explanation was that he drowned in the treacherous waters.

Holt’s sudden and mysterious disappearance shocked the nation and led to the first instance of a sitting Australian Prime Minister vanishing without a trace, prompting changes in national leadership and raising questions about the security and health of political leaders.

1989 – The First Episode of “The Simpsons” Aired on Fox

On December 17, 1989, the first full-length episode of “The Simpsons,” titled “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire,” aired on Fox. Created by Matt Groening, the show was an immediate success and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. This episode introduced viewers to the quirky and satirical world of the Simpson family, including Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie.

“The Simpsons” went on to become the longest-running American sitcom and animated series, influencing countless other shows and becoming a significant part of popular culture. Its blend of humor, social commentary, and memorable characters has garnered it a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim over the decades.

1989 – Romanian Revolution: Protests in Timișoara

On December 17, 1989, protests erupted in Timișoara, Romania, marking the beginning of the Romanian Revolution. The demonstrations started in response to an attempt by the government to evict Hungarian pastor László Tőkés, who had criticized the regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu.

The protests quickly grew into a broader anti-government movement, with citizens demanding political freedom and the end of Ceaușescu’s authoritarian rule. The violent response by security forces, which included firing on unarmed protesters, galvanized the population and led to nationwide uprisings.

Within days, the revolution spread, culminating in the fall of Ceaușescu’s regime and his execution on December 25, 1989, ending decades of oppressive Communist rule in Romania.

1997 – Pokémon Episode Induced Seizures in Japanese Children

On December 17, 1997, an episode of the popular Japanese anime “Pokémon,” titled “Dennō Senshi Porygon” (Electric Soldier Porygon), induced seizures in hundreds of children across Japan. During the episode, a scene with rapidly flashing red and blue lights triggered photosensitive epileptic seizures in viewers, leading to over 600 children being hospitalized.

The incident caused widespread panic and led to the temporary suspension of the show. It also prompted significant changes in the production of animated content, including the implementation of guidelines to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The event remains a notable example of the impact of media on public health and the importance of responsible broadcasting standards.

2010 – Mohamed Bouazizi Set Himself on Fire in Tunisia

On December 17, 2010, Mohamed Bouazizi, a street vendor in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia, set himself on fire in protest against police corruption and ill-treatment.

Bouazizi’s act of self-immolation was a response to the confiscation of his wares and the harassment he faced from local authorities. His desperate protest quickly became a catalyst for widespread demonstrations against the authoritarian government of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

The protests, known as the Jasmine Revolution, led to Ben Ali’s ouster in January 2011 and sparked a wave of uprisings across the Arab world, collectively known as the Arab Spring. Bouazizi’s sacrifice highlighted issues of economic hardship, government corruption, and the demand for political reform, resonating deeply with millions across the region and leading to significant political changes in several countries.