Indian Ocean Tsunami: 230,000 Die in Devastation
The Indian Plate subducted beneath the Burma Plate, unleashing tsunamis that drowned 230,000 people across 14 nations and buried coastal towns under walls of water reaching 30 metres high. Indonesia bore the brunt of this devastation, followed by Sri Lanka, India, and Thailand, marking the event as one of history's deadliest natural disasters.
December 26, 2004
22 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on December 26
A Roman priest nobody expected. Leo III won the papal election while his predecessor wasn't even cold in the ground — chosen by popular acclaim, not the usual p…
Berengar I seized the Iron Crown of Lombardy at Pavia, securing his rule over Italy through a decisive election by Lombard lords. This coronation solidified his…
Stephen seized the throne while his cousin Matilda was still abroad. He rushed to Winchester, grabbed the royal treasury, and convinced the Archbishop of Canter…
David of Burgundy's army of 4,000 to 5,000 soldiers crushed the armed mob from Utrecht on December 26, 1481, ending their attempt to avenge the Westbroek massac…
Holland’s forces crushed the Utrecht army at the Battle of Westbroek, ending the Bishopric of Utrecht’s military threat to the County of Holland. This victory c…
Robert Carr and Frances Howard wed in a lavish court ceremony, finalizing a scandalous union that had required the annulment of Howard’s previous marriage. John…
Talk to History
Have a conversation with historical figures who witnessed this era. Ask questions, explore perspectives, and bring history to life.