The Daily Birthday History

December 17: From the Wright Brothers to the Simpsons and Everything in Between


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This episode explores the historical significance of December 17th, covering a range of topics including pivotal events, notable births, and unfortunate deaths. Starting with the first Saturnalia festival in ancient Rome in 497 BC, we'll trace the day's journey through time. We'll touch upon the discovery of the Aztec calendar stone in 1790 and the declaration of Gran Colombia's independence in 1819. We'll highlight the Wright brothers' groundbreaking first flight in 1903, the birth of Pope Francis and entertainer Tommy Steele in 1936, and the premiere of The Simpsons in 1989. We'll also remember those who left us on this day, such as the tragic death of Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt in 1967 and the passing of Gregoire, the oldest recorded chimpanzee, in 2008. Join us as we uncover the fascinating tapestry of history woven into December 17th.

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The Daily Birthday HistoryBy DBH Hosts