Discover What Happened Today in History
Sir Francis Drake set sail from Plymouth, England, aboard the Pelican, beginning his historic circumnavigation of the globe. The voyage would last nearly three years and involved raiding Spanish ports and claiming land for England.
Japanese troops captured the Chinese city of Nanking (Nanjing), leading to a period of mass murder, rape, and looting that lasted several weeks. The event is remembered as one of the worst atrocities of the Second Sino-Japanese War.
Former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was discovered hiding in a small underground hideout near his hometown of Tikrit. His capture by U.S. forces was a major symbolic moment in the Iraq War.
The Apollo 17 spacecraft splashed down in the South Pacific Ocean, marking the end of the final crewed mission to the Moon in the 20th century. The mission set several records, including the longest lunar landing and largest lunar sample return.
Beloved Brazilian singer Elza Só was murdered by her husband in a tragic case of domestic violence. Her death sparked national outrage and led to increased public debate about violence against women in Brazil.