536: Byzantine General Belisarius Captures Rome
On December 9, 536, Belisarius, a key general under Emperor Justinian I, captured Rome during the Gothic War. This victory restored the city to the Byzantine Empire for a brief period in history.
“The strength of a kingdom lies not in its walls but in the courage of its people.”
~ Justinian I
Source: Procopius’ History of the Wars
1608: Birth of John Milton, English Poet
On December 9, 1608, John Milton, the author of Paradise Lost, was born in London, England. Known for his exploration of theology, politics, and human nature, Milton remains one of the most influential poets in English literature.
“The mind is its own place and in itself, can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.”
~ John Milton
Source: Paradise Lost, Book I
1851: First YMCA in North America Established
On December 9, 1851, the first YMCA in North America was established in Montreal, Canada. This marked the start of a movement dedicated to youth development, healthy living, and community support.
“Youth is not a time of life—it is a state of mind.”
~ Samuel Ullman
Source: Youth, Ullman’s poetry collection
1905: France Passes Law on Separation of Church and State
On December 9, 1905, France enacted the Law on the Separation of the Churches and the State, establishing secularism as a foundational principle of the French Republic.
“Liberty consists in the power to do anything that does not injure others.”
~ Marquis de Lafayette
Source: Lafayette’s writings on freedom
1926: Birth of Dame Judi Dench, Featured Person
On December 9, 1926, Dame Judi Dench, one of the most celebrated British actresses, was born in York, England. Known for her roles in Shakespeare in Love and as M in the James Bond series, Dench’s career spans stage, film, and television.
“Acting is not about being famous; it’s about exploring the human soul.”
~ Judi Dench
Source: Interview with The Guardian, 2013
“Theatre is the rehearsal room for empathy.”
~ Judi Dench
Source: Reflections on the Stage, 1999
“The camera doesn’t lie—it sees what’s in your heart.”
~ Judi Dench
Source: BAFTA acceptance speech, 2002
“It’s the work, not the awards, that matters.”
~ Judi Dench
Source: Oscar interview, 1998
“Laughter is the best medicine for a heavy heart.”
~ Judi Dench
Source: Dench’s Musings, 2008
Unusual Facts:
- Judi Dench was initially discouraged from pursuing acting because of her short stature.
- She made her professional debut in 1957 as Ophelia in Hamlet at the Old Vic Theatre.
- Dench is one of the few actresses to win an Oscar for less than ten minutes of screen time (Shakespeare in Love).
- She is a passionate advocate for wildlife conservation and an avid tree lover.
- Despite her success, Dench remains grounded, once claiming she’d trade all her awards for more time with her late husband.
1941: China Declares War on Japan, Germany, and Italy
On December 9, 1941, China officially declared war on Japan, Germany, and Italy, aligning itself with the Allied Powers during World War II.
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
Source: Inaugural address, 1933
1961: Tanganyika Gains Independence
On December 9, 1961, Tanganyika (modern-day mainland Tanzania) gained independence from British colonial rule, marking a significant moment in Africa’s decolonization movement.
“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed.”
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Source: Letter from Birmingham Jail
1987: First Palestinian Intifada Begins
On December 9, 1987, the First Intifada began in the Palestinian territories, a grassroots uprising against Israeli occupation. The movement became a significant chapter in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.”
~ Albert Einstein
Source: Einstein’s letters on peace, 1932
1992: Prince Charles and Princess Diana Announce Their Separation
On December 9, 1992, Prince Charles and Princess Diana officially announced their separation. The news shocked the world and marked a turning point in the British monarchy’s modern history.
“Only do what your heart tells you.”
~ Princess Diana
Source: Diana’s interview with The Observer, 1995
2017: Iraq Declares Victory Over ISIS
On December 9, 2017, the Iraqi government declared victory over ISIS, reclaiming all territories previously under the terrorist group’s control.
“The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”
~ Theodore Parker (popularized by Martin Luther King Jr.)
Source: Parker’s sermon, 1853
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