On this day in history: Important events that took place on December 13

Several important events have taken place on December 13 throughout history, making it a notable date in both India and around the world.

A pope resigned to save his soul
On this day in 1294, after just five months in office, Pope Celestine V stepped down. Having spent most of his life as a hermit in a cave, he struggled to meet the demands of the papacy and believed continuing in the role would endanger both the Church and his own soul.


2013 — “Queen Bey” moment
Beyoncé stunned fans by unexpectedly releasing her self-titled fifth studio album.

2003 — Saddam Hussein captured
U.S. forces captured Iraqi President Saddam Hussein during the Iraq War. He was later convicted of crimes against humanity and executed.

1989 — Birth of Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift, now among the most influential figures in contemporary music, was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania.

1956 — Anastasia hits theaters
The drama Anastasia premiered in the U.S., marking Ingrid Bergman’s celebrated return to Hollywood. Her performance earned her an Academy Award.

1937 — Nanjing Massacre begins
The Japanese Imperial Army captured Nanjing during the Sino-Japanese War, triggering the horrific massacre that killed up to 300,000 Chinese civilians and soldiers.

1934 — Nova Herculis discovered
British astronomer J.P.M. Prentice spotted Nova Herculis, one of the brightest novas of the 20th century.

1921 — Four-Power Pact signed
The U.S., Great Britain, Japan and France agreed to consult each other in case of disputes concerning any Pacific matter.

1862 — Battle of Fredericksburg
Confederate forces led by General Robert E. Lee defeated Union troops under General Ambrose Burnside in one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles.

1784 — Death of Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson, one of the most significant literary figures of the 18th century, died in London.

1642 — First sighting of New Zealand’s South Island
Dutch navigator Abel Tasman became the first European to sight New Zealand’s South Island.

1545 — Council of Trent convenes
The Roman Catholic Church’s 19th ecumenical council opened in Trent, Italy, ushering in major reforms following the Protestant Reformation.

(with agency inputs)