What Happened in December 1686

Historical Events

Robinson Crusoe Leaves His Island

Dec 19 Robinson Crusoe, Daniel Defoe's fictional character, leaves his island after 28 years of being marooned (according to the famous novel)

Famous Birthdays

  • Dec 25 Giovanni Battista Somis, Italian Baroque violinist and composer, born in Turin, Duchy of Savoy (d. 1673)

Famous Deaths

  • Dec 5 Nicolas Steno, Danish scientist prominent in anatomy and geology, and later Catholic priest, bishop, and candidate for sainthood, dies at 48
  • Dec 6 Eleonora Gonzaga, Empress of the Holy Roman Empire (1651-57), dies at 56
  • Dec 11 Louis II Condé, Duke of Bourbon (Rocroy), dies at 65