Fact 1: The Testament Day
December 10th marks the commemoration of Alfred Nobel's death, the inventor of dynamite. This is globally recognized as Nobel's Day, where the laureates receive their awards. Known as the Nobel Prize, these awards celebrate outstanding international achievements in several categories, including peace, medicine, literature, physics, and chemistry—all bequeathed in Nobel's will.
Fact 2: The Ibn Rushd Connection
The great Islamic philosopher Ibn Rushd, also known as Averroes, died on December 10, 1198. His extensive commentaries on Aristotle helped to preserve the philosopher’s works and significantly influenced European thinkers in the Middle Ages.
Fact 3: The Day of United Nations’ Human Rights
The United Nations chose December 10th as Human Rights Day in 1950 to honor the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This decision further emphasizes the significance of this day as one promoting peace and unity among all global citizens.
Fact 4: Battle of the Falkland Islands
On December 10, 1914, during the early stages of World War I, a significant British naval victory took place at the Battle of the Falkland Islands, where they routed the German East Asia Squadron.
Fact 5: Founding of the Wyoming Territory
December 10 marks the establishment of the Wyoming Territory in 1869. This western U.S. territory later became the 44th state of the United States in 1890.
Fact 6: Mississippi Secession
On December 10, 1860, Mississippi became the second state to secede from the Union, preceding the American Civil War.
Fact 7: Emily Dickinson's Birthday
December 10 is the birth anniversary of famous American poet Emily Dickinson. Born in 1830, her reclusive life enhanced the intrigue around her beautifully penned, thought-provoking verses.
Fact 8: Women’s Suffrage in Wyoming
Interestingly, in addition to being the anniversary of the foundation of the Wyoming Territory, December 10 also marks the day in 1869 when Wyoming passed a law granting women the right to vote, the first region in the USA to do so.
Fact 9: A 'Sinatra' Day
The iconic American singer Frank Sinatra was born on December 10, 1915. His decades-long career in music and film made him a legendary figure in the entertainment industry.
Fact 10: NBA’s First Game
On this day in 1936, the National Basketball League (later renamed the National Basketball Association) played its first game in the United States, between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Knicks.
Fact 11: Alaska’s Flag Adoption Day
Alaska officially adopted its present flag featuring the Big Dipper and the North Star on this day in 1959.
Fact 12: Death of Alfred Nobel
Alfred Nobel, the Swedish inventor and philanthropist, died on December 10, 1896, in Italy. In his will, he left the majority of his fortune to establish the Nobel Prizes.
Fact 13: A Big Day for Literary Laureates
In the literary world, Pearl S. Buck received her Nobel Prize in Literature on December 10, 1938, and V.S. Naipaul received his on the corresponding date in 2001.
Fact 14: An Important Day for Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa, the saintly figure recognized for her selfless service, received the Nobel Peace Prize on December 10, 1979.
Fact 15: The Birth of the Metric System
On December 10, 1799, France adopted the metric system of measurement, permanently paving the way towards global standardization.
Fact 16: Nicolas Steno’s Birthday
Nicolas Steno, the Danish anatomist whose work laid the groundwork for the study of geology, was born on December 10, 1638. His discoveries about crystals and rocks significantly influenced scientific thought.
Fact 17: Martin Luther Burns His Edict
Theologian Martin Luther burned the "Edict of Worms" on December 10, 1520, which had demanded his compliance with the papacy and renunciation of his religious reform ideas.
Fact 18: South Africa’s Fateful Day
On December 10, 1831, The Zulu Kingdom leader Dingane ordered the killing of Voortrekker leader Piet Retief, triggering the eventual Anglo-Zulu wars.
Fact 19: The World’s Tallest Tower
The Tokyo Skytree, the tallest tower globally at 634 meters high, was opened to the public on December 10, 2011.
Fact 20: Greek Prime Minister Assassination Attempt
On December 10, 1960, an assassination attempt against the then-Prime Minister of Greece, Konstantinos Karamanlis was thwarted, leading to heightened political tensions in the country.