Kaspar Hauser

German feral child with mysterious origins

Kaspar Hauser - German feral child with mysterious origins
Born

1812
213 years ago

Died

December 17th, 1833
191 years ago — 21 years old

Category

Thinkers & Philosophers

Country

Germany

Links & References

A child appeared in Nuremberg, Germany, in 1828, claiming to have grown up in isolation. He was unable to speak or read and had limited understanding of the world. Theories arose regarding his origins, including that he was of noble birth or held captive. As time passed, he began to learn and communicate, attracting attention from scholars and the public. His life ended abruptly when he was found stabbed in 1833, leading to speculation about the circumstances surrounding his death and the true nature of his life. This case received significant media coverage and spurred discussions about human development.

Emergence in Nuremberg, Germany in 1828

Mysterious death at age 21

Inspiration for studies on feral children

Other People Who Died on December 17th

Marguerite Yourcenar

Author known for 'Memoirs of Hadrian'
Born
June 8th, 1903 122 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1987 37 years ago — 84 years old

Marguerite Yourcenar was a Belgian-French author and poet. She became the first woman elected to the Académie Française in 1980. Yourcenar's literary career spanned several decades, during which she wrote novels, essays, and plays. One of her most significant works, 'Memoirs of Hadrian', published in 1951, is a fictional account of the Roman Emperor Hadrian's life, exploring themes of love, loss, and mortality. The novel received critical acclaim and has been translated into multiple languages, confirming her place in the literary canon. She also gained recognition for her other works, including 'The Abyss', which examined the life of an early Christian philosopher. Yourcenar's evocative prose and deep philosophical insights have continued to resonate with readers worldwide.

Continue Reading

Lowell Steward

American Army Captain
Born
1919 106 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2014 10 years ago — 95 years old

Served as an Army captain in the United States during the Vietnam War. Steward was captured as a prisoner of war in 1965 and endured over seven years of captivity. He participated in the Tet Offensive and was instrumental in intelligence and strategic operations within his unit. Upon release, Steward became an advocate for veterans' rights and shared his experiences during captivity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by former prisoners of war.

Continue Reading

Freddy Breck

German singer and news anchor
Born
January 21st, 1942 83 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2008 16 years ago — 66 years old

Breck was a German singer, producer, and news anchor, primarily active in the 1970s and 1980s. Achieving notable success in the pop music scene, he released multiple albums featuring a blend of pop and schlager music. His most recognized hit was 'Oh, Marie', which contributed to his popularity in German-speaking countries. In addition to music, he worked as a news anchor, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.

Continue Reading

Chris Henry

American football wide receiver
Born
May 17th, 1983 42 years ago
Died
December 17th, 2009 15 years ago — 26 years old

Played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) primarily for the Cincinnati Bengals. Drafted in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft, made significant contributions during his time with the team. Best seasons included 2006 and 2009, where showcased talent in receptions and touchdown receptions. Known for his speed and catching ability, developed a reputation for being a deep threat in the Bengals' offense. Tragically passed away in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of athleticism on the field.

Continue Reading

Harold Holt

Australian Prime Minister during 1966-67
Born
August 5th, 1908 117 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1967 57 years ago — 59 years old

Served as the 17th Prime Minister of Australia from 1966 until disappearance in 1967. Before becoming Prime Minister, held various ministerial positions including Minister for Labour and National Service and Minister for Immigration. Expanded the country's involvement in the Vietnam War and introduced significant reforms in education and immigration policy. Holt's tenure is notably marked by his push for a new Liberal Party agenda and closer ties with the United States during the Cold War.

Continue Reading

13th Dalai Lama

Tibetan spiritual leader and reformer
Born
February 12th, 1876 149 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1933 91 years ago — 57 years old

The 13th Dalai Lama served as the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and the political leader of Tibet from 1895 until 1933. In 1904, faced with British military intervention, he fled to India, returning to Tibet in 1909. His reign was marked by significant reforms in Tibetan society, including modernization efforts and the establishment of a centralized administration. Advocated for Tibetan autonomy amidst growing tensions with China and sought international support for Tibetan independence. He also emphasized education and health reforms.

Continue Reading