1896 first modern Olympic games held in Athens, 1,500 years after the last Roman Empire Olympics. They included athletics (including a marathon and sprints), cycling, fencing, gymnastics, shooting, swimming and wrestling.
1909 Americans Robert Peary and Matthew Henson reach the geographic North Pole. We like to throw a white bed sheet over the sofa and pretend we’ve reached the North Pole.
1483 Raphael born
1849 J.W. Waterhouse born
1860 René Lalique born – so make jewellery out of nature:
Chakri Day – Thailand celebrates its Chakri dynasty of rulers – see 5th December
Tartan Day (US/Canada celebrate their Scottish heritage).
Around the World with the Kids 