705
Politics
Death of Wu Zetian
Death of Wu Zetian in Luoyang on 16 December 705, shortly after her abdication and the restoration of the Tang dynasty.
View detailsThis Day
16December
20 indexed achievements across recorded history.
1485
Politics
Birth of Catherine of Aragon
Birth of Catherine of Aragon (Catalina de Aragón), daughter of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, at Alcalá de Henares, Spain.
View details1717
Literature
Birth of Elizabeth Carter
Elizabeth Carter was born on December 16, 1717, in Deal, Kent, England.
View details1771
Science
Marriage to Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier
Marriage to Antoine-Laurent Lavoisier begins her scientific collaboration.
View details1775
Science
Birth at Steventon Rectory
Jane Austen was born at Steventon Rectory in Hampshire, England, the seventh child of Rev. George Austen and Cassandra Leigh Austen.
View details1844
Activism
Birth of Fanny Garrison Villard
Birth of Helen Frances “Fanny” Garrison in Boston, Massachusetts, daughter of abolitionist William Lloyd Garrison.
View details1884
Science
Displays barrel‑hooping machine at World’s Industrial and Cotton Centennial Exposition
Her barrel-hooping machine showcased in New Orleans at an international exposition.
View details1901
1901
Science
Private first edition of The Tale of Peter Rabbit
Potter self-published 250 copies of The Tale of Peter Rabbit at her own expense after publishers rejected the manuscript.
View details1942
Arts
Variety Award for Best Actress of the Year for 'The Skin of Our Teeth'
Awarded Best Actress by Variety for 'The Skin of Our Teeth'.
View details1956
Arts
Death in London following a fall
Nina Hamnett died on 16 December 1956 in London after falling from her flat window, impaled on railings below; her death was ruled misadventure.
View details1959
Activism
First woman promoted to Master Chief Petty Officer (E-9) in U.S. Navy
Der-Vartanian became the first woman in U.S. Armed Forces history promoted to the E-9 pay grade, as Master Chief Petty Officer, U.S. Navy.
View details1960
Politics
Applauded U.N. anti-colonialism resolution
George applauded the U.N. resolution for ending colonialism, making headlines.
View details1977
Science
Release of Candleshoe, Hayes's final film
Candleshoe was released, marking the final film performance of Helen Hayes's screen career, which began in 1931.
View details1988
Science
Birth in Vlorë, Albania
Mira Murati was born in Vlorë, Albania, on December 16, 1988. She later became a renowned engineer and AI executive.
View details2003
Arts
Died in Sydney, New South Wales
Nora Heysen died on 16 December 2003 in Sydney, aged 92, having left a lasting legacy as a pioneering Australian portrait and war artist.
View details2012
Sports
Multiple events at 11th FINA World Championships
Competed in 50 m, 100 m, and 200 m freestyle in Istanbul for Syria.
View details2015
Science
Elected president of the Chilean Academy of Sciences
Elected president of the Chilean Academy of Sciences, becoming the first woman to hold the post.
View details2021
Arts
Biographical feature by Eastern Shore Brent
Bio published by Eastern Shore Brent, highlighting her legacy.
View details2022
Science
Death of Fae Margaret Adams
Fae Margaret Adams died on December 16, 2022, at age 104, and was later interred in Arlington National Cemetery.
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