In History, Today on December 13

The Council of Trent, an ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church, began in Trento, Italy. It was one of the Church's most important councils, prompted by the Protestant Reformation, and it played a crucial role in the Counter-Reformation.

Sir Francis Drake sets sail from Plymouth, England, on his voyage around the world.

Abel Tasman becomes the first European to sight New Zealand.

The Nanking Massacre begins as Japanese troops capture Nanjing, China.

The Knesset voted to move the capital of Israel to Jerusalem.

Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt, astronauts of Apollo 17, became the last humans to walk on the Moon. Apollo 17 was the final mission of NASA's Apollo program.

Malta becomes a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations.

Martial law is declared in Poland to crush the Solidarity movement.

Al Gore conceded the U.S. presidential election to George W. Bush following a Supreme Court decision.

The Indian Parliament attack occurred when five armed terrorists stormed the Parliament House in New Delhi, India, leading to a gun battle that resulted in the deaths of six police officers, a civilian, and the five terrorists.

Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was captured by U.S. forces in Operation Red Dawn near his hometown of Tikrit, Iraq.

The Baiji oil refinery in Iraq was attacked by insurgents, causing significant damage and highlighting the ongoing instability in the region during the Iraq War.

The Treaty of Lisbon was signed by the European Union member states, aiming to streamline EU institutions and increase efficiency. It came into force on December 1, 2009.

The United States formally ended its military mission in Iraq with a ceremony in Baghdad, marking the conclusion of nearly nine years of military operations in the country.

The Paris Agreement was adopted by consensus at the 21st Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC in Paris, France, aiming to combat climate change and accelerate actions and investments needed for a sustainable low carbon future.

The Walt Disney Company announced its intention to acquire 21st Century Fox for $52.4 billion, a deal that would significantly reshape the media landscape.