Famous Birthdays Dec 22 Ernst Casimir I, count of Nassau-Dietz and Stadtholder of Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe, born in Dillenburg, Germany (d. 1632) Dec 31 Giulio Cesare Monteverdi, Italian organist and composer (Deh chi tace il bel pensero), baptized in Cremona, Italy (d. 1630 or 31) Famous Deaths Dec 11 Alardus/Eilard de Waterlant, duke of Alva, hanged Dec 30 Giovanni Battista Giraldi, Italian writer (b. 1504) 1572 History by Year 1574 Famous Living People by Age 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 80-89 Over 90