Shimla, Dec. 16, Keekli Bureau
2014
Members of Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, the Pakistani branch of the Taliban, attacked a school in Peshawar, killing 150 people, at least 134 of whom were children.
2009
Avatar, a science-fiction thriller directed by James Cameron, was released internationally; it went on to make more than $2.7 billion worldwide.
1944
In World War II, German forces attempted to push through Allied lines in the Ardennes, beginning the Battle of the Bulge.
1899
English playwright and actor Sir Noël Coward, best known for his highly polished comedies of manners, was born.
1838
Voortrekkers killed 3,000 Zulu at the Battle of Blood River in South Africa.
1653
British soldier and statesman Oliver Cromwell became lord protector of England.
1631
More than 3,000 people were killed by a major eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
882
Marinus I became pope after the death (possibly murder) of John VIII.
