Box-office #1
The Empire Strikes Back
1980 · dir. Irvin Kershner
Wide US release on May 23, 1980. Goes on to become the highest-grossing film of the year.
Sci-fiStar Wars $538M worldwide
On this day
December 4 Friday, December 4, 2026
A curious almanac of what happened on December 4 across the years — history, birthdays, the songs that ruled the charts, the films that packed cinemas, and the science that nudged the world forward.
12
Events
7
Birthdays
3
Holidays
1110
War 916 years ago
An army led by Baldwin I of Jerusalem and Sigurd the Crusader of Norway captures Sidon at the end of the First Crusade.
Baldwin I of Jerusalem and Sigurd the Crusader of Norway capture the coastal city of Sidon in one of the final military actions of the First Crusade.
History
What happened on December 4
12 verified entries Full timeline
- 771European history
Austrasian king Carloman I dies, leaving his brother Charlemagne as sole king of the Frankish Kingdom.
Carloman I's death leaves Charlemagne as the sole ruler of the Frankish Kingdom.
- 963Religion
The lay papal protonotary is elected pope and takes the name Leo VIII, being consecrated on 6 December after ordination.
A lay papal protonotary is elected pope and chooses the name Leo VIII, being consecrated the following day after his ordination.
- 1110War
An army led by Baldwin I of Jerusalem and Sigurd the Crusader of Norway captures Sidon at the end of the First Crusade.
Baldwin I of Jerusalem and Sigurd the Crusader of Norway capture the coastal city of Sidon in one of the final military actions of the First Crusade.
- 1259UK history
Kings Louis IX of France and Henry III of England agree to the Treaty of Paris, in which Henry renounces his claims to French-controlled territory on continental Europe (including Normandy) in exchange for Louis withdrawing his support for English rebels.
Louis IX and Henry III sign the Treaty of Paris, where Henry renounces claims to French territories in return for Louis ending support for English rebels.
- 1563Religion
The final session of the Council of Trent is held nearly 18 years after the body held its first session on December 13, 1545.
The Council of Trent concludes its final session after nearly 18 years.
- 1619US history
Thirty-eight colonists arrive at Berkeley Hundred, Virginia. The group's charter proclaims that the day "be yearly and perpetually kept holy as a day of thanksgiving to Almighty God."
The colonists at Berkeley Hundred declare a day of thanksgiving to honor God for their safe arrival.
- 1676War
The Battle of Lund occurs, and is the bloodiest battle in Scandinavian history.
The Battle of Lund results in heavy casualties, marking it as the deadliest conflict in Scandinavian history.
- 1745UK history
Charles Edward Stuart's army reaches Derby, its furthest point during the Second Jacobite Rising.
Charles Edward Stuart's army reaches Derby, marking the furthest advance into England during the Second Jacobite Rising before retreating to Scotland.
- 1783US history
At Fraunces Tavern in New York City, U.S. General George Washington bids farewell to his officers.
George Washington says farewell to his officers at Fraunces Tavern in New York City.
- 1865US history
North Carolina ratifies 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, followed two days later by Georgia, and U.S. slaves were legally free within two weeks.
North Carolina ratifies the 13th Amendment, soon followed by Georgia, ending slavery in the United States.
- 1867US history
Former Minnesota farmer Oliver Hudson Kelley founds the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry (better known today as the Grange).
Oliver Hudson Kelley establishes the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry, an organization later known as the Grange.
- 1969Politics
Black Panther Party members Fred Hampton and Mark Clark are shot and killed during a raid by 14 Chicago police officers.
Fred Hampton and Mark Clark, Black Panther Party leaders, are killed in a raid by 14 Chicago police officers.
Born today
Famous birthdays on December 4
7 this date All birthdays
🎂 71
Dave Taylor
Canadian-American ice hockey player and manager
Dave Taylor, Canadian-American ice hockey player who spent his entire 17-year NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings and formed part of the celebrated Triple Crown Line, turns 71 today.
Born
1955
Turns 71
today
Hasan al-Askari 11th Imam of Twelver Shia Islam
b. 846
R. Venkataraman
Indian lawyer and politician, 6th President of India
1910 – 2009
Albert Bandura
Canadian-American psychologist and academic
1925 – 2021
Alex Delvecchio
Canadian ice hockey player, coach, and manager
1931 – 2025
Gary Gilmore
American murderer
1940 – 1977
Marty Riessen
American tennis player and coach
b. 1941 · 85
Music
The number one songs on December 4
Across the years Full chart history
🇬🇧 #1 on December 4, 1981
"Stand and Deliver"
by Adam and the Ants
The dandy highwayman spent five weeks at the top — a brash, glam-pop coronation.
#1 for 5 weeks
Also #1 on this day
- 1965"Ticket To Ride"— The Beatles
- 1972"Metal Guru"— T. Rex
- 2003"Make Luv"— Room 5 ft. Oliver Cheatham
Film & TV
At the movies
Box office #1 and premieres All releases
🏆 Sport December 4, 1982
Aston Villa shock Bayern Munich for the European Cup
In Rotterdam, late substitute Peter Withe scores the winner as Villa lift the trophy on their first attempt.
Read the story
🔬 Science December 4, 1998
The Unity Module, the second module of the International Space Station, is launched.
The Unity Module, a crucial component of the International Space Station, is launched into orbit.
Read the storyToday is also
Holidays & observances
3 celebrated today
Navy Day (India)
International
Navy Day in India is celebrated on 4 December every year to recognize the achievements of the Indian Navy and its role in the country
Thai Environment Day (Thailand)
International
Public holidays in Thailand are regulated by the government, and most are observed by both the public and private sectors
Tupou I Day (Tonga)
International
The Tongan archipelago has been inhabited for perhaps 3,000 years, since settlement in late Lapita times