in History
A rebel kingdom crumbles on Christmas Day
With the death of Emperor Gongsun Shu, the breakaway Chengjia Empire in southwestern China was conquered by the forces of the Eastern Han dynasty under Emperor Guangwu. The fall of Chengjia eliminated the last major rival to Han reunification, completing Guangwu's restoration of the dynasty that had been disrupted by Wang Mang's Xin interregnum.
A royal life spanning the twentieth century
On Christmas Day, Lady Alice Montagu Douglas Scott was born, destined to marry Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester, and become a pillar of the British royal family. As the Duchess of Gloucester, she served the Crown for decades, living to the remarkable age of 102. Her life spanned the reigns of six monarchs, making her a living link to an era of profound change.
Romanian Revolution: Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu and his wife Elena were condemned to death on a wide range of charges and executed.