Also on this day

Sir Joseph William Bazalgette, creator of London’s sewers, dies

Nicholas II, right, the last tsar of Russia, abdicates

Germany occupies Czechoslovakia as Europe approaches war

children back to life (he is patron saint of children too).

In the Middle Ages, Saint Nick became the toast of celebrations across Europe on his feast day (December 6), revered as a bringer of gifts. The reformation saw him fall out of favour but he soon made a comeback, albeit in more threatening form. Germanic tradition brought in Ru-klaus (Rough Nicholas) and Pelznickel

(Furry Nicholas) who would deliver presents but also punish children for misbehaving, sometimes with beating and kidnappings.

The Saint (now Santa Claus, from

Sinterklaas) crossed the Atlantic to the New World colonies. By the early 1800s, efforts were made to make Christmas a family celebration and Nicholas was recreated again. The shaggy German versions were cast aside for a jolly, benevolent figure we now revere.

By the late 19th century the red-dressed grandfatherly figure at the North Pole was established. This depiction crossed back across the Atlantic to Europe. It’s a long way from a southern Turkish village but his story shows how myths are born then embellished over centuries to suit the traditions of the time.

Question: in 44BC?

Last week I asked which member of the Monkees pop group was born on March 8, 1945. The answer is MICKY DOLENZ.

Which Roman leader died on this day