On This Day

What Happened in December 1679

Historical Events

  • Dec 27 Dutch troops capture Madurees prince Trunudjojo in Java

Famous Birthdays

  • Dec 10 Willem Maurits, Dutch count of Nassau and governor of Zeeuws-Flanders, born in The Hague (d. 1753)
  • Dec 24 Domenico Natale Sarro, Italian composer, born in Trani, Italy (d. 1744)

Famous Deaths


Person of interestThomas Hobbes

Dec 4 Thomas Hobbes, English philosopher (Leviathan), dies of a stroke at 91

Philosopher Thomas Hobbes
Philosopher
Thomas Hobbes
  • Dec 17 Don Juan, ruler of Spain, dies
  • Dec 20 Johan Maurits, Prince of Nassau-Siegen (Maurits House), dies at 75
  • Dec 26 John van de Cappelle, Amsterdam landscape painter, dies at 53
  • Dec 31 Giovanni Alfonso Borelli, Italian physiologist and physicist (b. 1608)