Historical Events
563
The Hagia Sophia is completed in Constantinople.
1777
British naval Captain James Cook discovers Christmas Island in the Pacific.
1818
The song "Silent Night" is first performed at a church in Oberndorf, Austria.
1871
Verdi's opera Aida is performed for the first time in Cairo, Egypt.
1968
Apollo 8 astronauts become the first humans to orbit the Moon.
Famous Birthdays
3
Galba
Roman Emperor for seven months after Nero's death.
1167
King John of England
English king who signed the Magna Carta.
1809
Kit Carson
American frontiersman and folk hero.
1905
Howard Hughes
American business magnate, investor, and record-setting aviator.
1971
Ricky Martin
Puerto Rican singer known for Livin' la Vida Loca.
