On 10 December in poetry and history
Poets born or who died on this date, plus historical events that happened on this day across history.
610 poets with calendar dates · 6,535 events with calendar dates in the catalogue
2 birthdays · 1 death anniversary · 12 world events on 10 December
Birthdays
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Emily Dickinson
10 December 1830 – 15 May 1886 (~56)
Born 10 December 1830 — would have been 196 in 2026
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Alfred Kreymborg
10 December 1883 – 14 August 1966 (~83)
Born 10 December 1883 — would have been 143 in 2026
Death anniversaries
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Mark Van Doren
13 June 1894 – 10 December 1972 (~78)
Died 10 December 1972 — 54 years ago on this date
World events on this day
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The Death of Ibn Rushd (Averroes) and the Suppressing of Aristotelian Philosophy
The towering Andalusian polymath, jurist, and philosopher Ibn Rushd (Averroes) passed away in Marrakesh after facing political exile and the public burning of his philosophical books under the Almohad Caliphate. Ibn Rushd dedicated his life to defending the absolute compatibility of rational Aristotelian philosophy with Islamic divine revelation. His meticulous commentaries on Aristotle revolutionized European scholasticism when translated into Latin, even as his rationalist approach faced heavy criticism and eventual suppression within mainstream western Islamic theology.
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Establishment of the Nobel Prizes
The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in Stockholm, Sweden, funded entirely by the immense fortune Alfred Nobel amassed from his dynamite patents and industrial explosive factories. Nobel's will established the prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Peace to counter his public reputation as a merchant of death. This institutional legacy permanently linked the proceeds of heavy blasting and military destruction with the highest achievements of human culture.
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Awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature
In 1907, Rudyard Kipling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first English-language writer to receive this honor. The award recognized his exceptional literary contributions and his ability to capture the essence of human experience.
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Niccolò Machiavelli Writes 'The Prince'
In 1513, Niccolò Machiavelli penned 'The Prince,' a seminal work that outlines the principles of realpolitik, separating political efficacy from moral considerations. This text challenged traditional views of governance and ethics, advocating for pragmatic approaches to power. Machiavelli's ideas have had a lasting impact on political theory and practice, making 'The Prince' a foundational work in the study of politics.
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Death of José María Iparraguirre
José María Iparraguirre passed away on December 10, 1881, in Urretxu, Gipuzkoa, leaving behind a legacy that profoundly impacted Basque culture. His funeral was attended by many who revered him as a national hero and cultural icon. His works continue to inspire pride in Basque identity and heritage.
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Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech
In 1913, Rabindranath Tagore delivered his Nobel Prize acceptance speech in Stockholm, Sweden, where he was honored for his literary contributions. This event marked a significant moment in his career, as he became the first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature. His speech emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and the unity of humanity.
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Universal Declaration of Human Rights Adopted
The United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 10, 1948, establishing fundamental rights and freedoms applicable to all people regardless of nationality, race, religion, or gender. Drafted in response to World War II atrocities, the declaration articulated rights to life, liberty, security, free expression, and protection from torture and discrimination. Though not legally binding, it became a foundational document for international human rights law and activism.
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Derek Walcott Wins the Nobel Prize in Literature
In 1992, Saint Lucian poet and playwright Derek Walcott won the Nobel Prize in Literature. His work fused Caribbean speech, European forms, African inheritance, colonial history, sea imagery, and island memory. The award recognised a poet writing from a small postcolonial nation as a world literary figure.
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Birth of Byron's Daughter Ada Lovelace
On 10 December 1815, Lady Byron gave birth to the couple's only child, Augusta Ada Byron (later Ada Lovelace), at their home in London. Ada would grow up to become a pioneering figure in computer science, known for her work on Charles Babbage's early mechanical general-purpose computer. Her birth marked a significant personal milestone for Byron, intertwining his legacy with that of his daughter's groundbreaking contributions to technology and mathematics.
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The Founding of the Slow Food Movement in Italy (1986)
In 1986, Italian journalist Carlo Petrini founded the Slow Food movement in Rome to protest against the opening of a McDonald's near the historic Spanish Steps. This movement aimed to combat the rise of globalized fast food and industrial agriculture, advocating for the preservation of local culinary cultures, sustainable farming, and the enjoyment of shared meals. It also sparked a global revival of artisan cheesemaking, emphasizing culinary heritage.
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Chang'e-6 Lunar Far Side Sample Return
In 2024, China's Chang'e-6 mission successfully returned the first samples from the far side of the Moon, marking a significant achievement in lunar exploration. This mission followed the successful Chang'e-4 landing in 2019, which was the first to explore the Moon's far side. The samples collected provide valuable insights into the Moon's geology and history, enhancing our understanding of lunar formation and the solar system's evolution, while also showcasing China's growing capabilities in space exploration.
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The Great Earthquake of 1967 in Koyna
On December 10, 1967 CE, an earthquake struck the Koyna region of India, causing damage and loss of life. This event is significant because it was linked to the Koyna Dam and is one of the most studied reservoir-induced earthquakes in the world. The earthquake was a major event in the seismic history of India.