The Pyramid of Neferirkare was built for the Fifth Dynasty pharaoh Neferirkare Kakai in the 25th century BC. It was the tallest structure on the highest site at the Abusir necropolis and still towers above it today. The Fifth Dynasty marked the end of the great pyramid constructions during the Old Kingdom. Pyramids of the era were smaller and had intricate relief decoration. Neferirkare's pyramid was originally built as a step pyramid, a design antiquated after the Third Dynasty (26th or 27th century BC). Alterations were intended to convert it into a true pyramid, but the pharaoh's death left the project to his successors. Completed in haste, Neferirkare's monument lacked a valley temple and pyramid town. Instead, there was a small settlement of mudbrick houses where cult priests could conduct their daily activities. The Abusir papyri were discovered in the temple of Neferirkare in 1893. (Full article...)

Christ Church, Marylebone, now Greenhouse Centre

• ... that Christ Church, Marylebone (pictured), is now a sports centre?
• ... that as Master of Pierson College at Yale University during World War II, Arnold Wolfers recruited students for the Office of Strategic Services?
• ... that the statue of Heydar Aliyev in Mexico City was meant to be displayed for 99 years, but was removed after five months?
• ... that Kylie Minogue wore a Hysteric Glamour minidress on the cover of her fourth studio album, Let's Get to It?
• ... that Polish abstract painter Piotr Potworowski influenced the creative thinking of British painters at the Bath Academy of Art?
• ... that a 2017 global women-leaders conference found that the chief barrier to leadership roles for women was a lack of mentoring?
• ... that Verrucosa arenata is one of the few known large orb-weaver spiders that sits facing upwards in its web?
• ... that Eric Kimaiyo won the 2003 Baltimore Marathon in a sprint finish with one of the athletes that he trained?

Valéry Giscard d'Estaing

• Former President of France Valéry Giscard d'Estaing (pictured) dies at the age of 94.
• In baseball, the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks defeat the Yomiuri Giants to win their fourth-straight Japan Series.
• Ingrida Šimonytė takes office as Prime Minister of Lithuania.
• Argentine footballer Diego Maradona dies at the age of 60.

December 5: Krampusnacht in parts of Central Europe

Henry Knox's noble train of artillery

• 1757 – Seven Years' War: Prussian troops under Frederick the Great defeated Austrian forces at the Battle of Leuthen.
• 1775 – American Revolutionary War: Continental Army colonel Henry Knox arrived at Fort Ticonderoga in New York to arrange the transport of 60 tons of artillery (depicted) to support the Siege of Boston.
• 1945 – Flight 19, a squadron of five U.S. Navy torpedo bombers, disappeared over the Bermuda Triangle.
• 1974 – The Birmingham Americans won the only World Bowl in World Football League history.