Historical Events
Tasman Sights New Zealand
Dec 13 Dutch explorer Abel Tasman sights the South Island of present day New Zealand; initially he calls it Staten Landt and changes it a year later to Nieuw Zeeland [1]
- Dec 18 Abel Tasman's expedition is the first European voyage to reach New Zealand sailing into Wharewharangi Bay at the top of the South Island, making the first confirmed contact with Maori [1]
- Dec 19 4 of Abel Tasman's crew killed at Wharewharangi (Murderers) Bay by Māori; Tasman's ships depart without landing
- Dec 22 Pope Urbanus VIII publishes decree In eminente
Famous Birthdays
Famous Deaths
- Dec 4 Armand Jean du Plessicide de Richelieu, French statesman and Cardinal (chief minister to Louis XIII 1624-42), dies at about 57
20-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
80-89
Over 90