Browse Historical Events by Month: What Happened in December?

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

The Greek philosopher Socrates is sentenced to death by drinking hemlock, following his trial in Athens.

Alexander the Great decisively defeats the Persian king Darius III at the Battle of Issus, solidifying his control over Asia Minor.

Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, wins a significant victory over the Roman Republic at the Battle of the Trebia during the Second Punic War.

Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, wins a significant victory over the Roman Republic at the Battle of the Trebia during the Second Punic War.

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 Julian calendar is introduced by Julius Caesar, with January 1, 45 BCE, as its first day.

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 Treaty of Brundisium is signed, temporarily ending the Roman civil wars between Octavian and Antony.

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.