1790day.year
The Aztec calendar stone is discovered at El Zócalo, Mexico City.
In 1790, laborers in Mexico City unearthed the legendary Aztec calendar stone at El Zócalo. This monumental basalt sculpture soon became a symbol of Mexico's pre-Columbian heritage.
On December 17, 1790, workers digging at the main plaza of Mexico City uncovered the massive Aztec calendar stone buried beneath the surface. Also known as the Sun Stone, this intricately carved basalt disc measures over three meters in diameter and weighs almost 25 tons. The sculpture depicts the Aztec cosmology and the days of the calendar cycle, offering deep insights into Mesoamerican astronomy and religion. After its discovery, the stone was moved to the National Museum of Anthropology and became one of Mexico's most iconic artifacts. Its resurrection fueled growing interest in indigenous history during the colonial period and inspired future archaeological exploration. Today, the Aztec calendar stone remains a powerful emblem of Mexico's ancient civilization and cultural identity.
1790
Aztec calendar stone
1865day.year
First performance of the Unfinished Symphony by Franz Schubert.
Schubert's 'Unfinished Symphony' received its first performance in Vienna under Johann von Herbeck, revealing its haunting beauty despite being incomplete.
Franz Schubert composed his enigmatic Symphony No. 8 in 1822 but left it unfinished after completing only two movements, giving it the enduring nickname 'Unfinished'. On December 17, 1865, Austrian conductor Johann von Herbeck introduced those two movements to the public at a Vienna Philharmonic Society concert, marking the symphony's long-awaited debut. Audiences were immediately enraptured by the symphony's lyrical melodies, dramatic contrasts, and emotive power, despite its incomplete structure. The premiere sparked a resurgence of interest in Schubert's orchestral works, leading to its place as one of the most performed symphonies in the classical repertoire. To this day, the 'Unfinished Symphony' continues to fascinate listeners with its mysterious beauty and the question of what the composer might have envisioned beyond its two movements.
1865
Unfinished Symphony
Franz Schubert
1989day.year
The Simpsons premieres on television with the episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire".
The Simpsons debuted on television with the holiday episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire," introducing America's longest-running animated sitcom.
On December 17, 1989, The Simpsons premiered on the Fox network with its inaugural episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire."
Created by Matt Groening, the animated series followed the satirical adventures of the Simpson family in Springfield.
The debut episode, centered around a Christmas holiday, established the show's blend of humor and social commentary.
Despite a modest initial budget, The Simpsons quickly gained popularity and critical acclaim.
It went on to redefine primetime animation and became a cultural phenomenon, influencing generations of viewers.
The Simpsons
Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire