[Amnorix]

December 12

627. In the climatic battle of the Byzantine-Sassanid War, the Byzantine Army under Emperor Heraclius defeats, narrowly, the Sassanids. Though the defeat was narrow, the results were cataclysmic. The Sassanids overthrow their ruler, and are forced to sue for peace, giving the Byzantine Empire much land, an indemnity and, most important to that very religious culture, the return of the True Cross and other religious artifacts lost in 614 when Jerusalem was taken.

1098. In yet another example of the moral destitution of much of the Crusading done under the auspices of the Church, Crusaders during the First Crusade breach the town walls of Ma'arrat al-Numan (in modern Syria) after a lengthy siege and butcher 20,000 people. They also, reportedly, resort to cannibalism after food runs short. The memory of this event will be imprinted across the Islamic world for centuries.

1917. Father Edward Flanagan founds Boys Town.

2000. The Supreme Court releases its decision in Bush v. Gore.