January 28

Born as Li Shimin, he became Emperor Taizong in 626 after the Xuanwu Gate Incident. He consolidated the empire, expanded its borders, and implemented reforms that strengthened central government. Under his reign, China experienced prosperity, cultural flourishing, and military success against nomadic tribes. He supported the establishment of the imperial examination system and patronized literature and the arts. Emperor Taizong’s era is often regarded as the pinnacle of the Tang dynasty’s power and influence.

Born the daughter of King Louis X of France, she inherited the Navarrese crown in 1328. Her reign was marked by strategic diplomatic marriages, including her union with Philip of Évreux. She balanced Navarre’s interests between France and England amid the Hundred Years’ War. Joan supported economic growth and reinforced royal authority in a region caught between greater powers. Her death in 1349 marked the end of her direct lineage, but her policies shaped Navarre’s future.

Ascending the throne in 1384, Razadarit worked to consolidate power across coastal Burma. He repelled multiple invasions by the northern Kingdom of Ava, securing Hanthawaddy’s independence. Under his rule, the kingdom saw cultural and economic growth through thriving trade routes. Razadarit implemented administrative reforms and strengthened the military structure. His leadership laid the foundation for Hanthawaddy’s golden age before his death in 1421.

Born Henry Tudor, he returned from exile and claimed the English throne in 1485 after defeating Richard III. As king, he married Elizabeth of York to unite rival houses and solidify his legitimacy. He reformed royal finances through efficient tax collection and support for commerce. Henry strengthened the monarchy by reducing the power of the nobility and expanding the royal council. He died in 1509, leaving a more centralized and stable England to his son, Henry VIII.

Born in Danzig (now Gdańsk), Hevelius combined his work as a brewer with his passion for astronomy. He built one of Europe’s largest private observatories on his house rooftop, crafting instruments by hand. His observations led to the publication of 'Firmamentum Sobiézianum,' a comprehensive star atlas. Hevelius discovered lunar librations and documented comets, earning widespread acclaim among European scientists. In addition to his scientific pursuits, he served as a city council member and mayor of Danzig. He died in 1687, leaving behind a rich legacy in both science and civic service.

Tokugawa Ieshige served as the eleventh shōgun of Japan from 1745 until his death in 1761. Despite his physical ailments and limited personal influence, his administration maintained the policies of sakoku and sankin-kōtai, preserving internal stability. His advisors implemented economic measures to address famines and peasant unrest, seeking to sustain agricultural productivity. The period of his rule saw continued cultural growth, including the flourishing of ukiyo-e art and kabuki theater. Ieshige’s tenure helped solidify administrative precedents that guided the shogunate for decades. Though overshadowed by stronger officials, his reign contributed to the endurance of Tokugawa governance.

Mustafa III reigned as Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1757 to 1774, inheriting an empire facing internal decline and external threats. Recognizing the need for modernization, he initiated reforms to rearm the artillery corps, strengthen fortifications, and improve naval capabilities. Mustafa III also patronized the arts and sciences, supporting scholars, poets, and architects. His reign was overshadowed by the Russo-Turkish War of 1768–1774, which ended in a costly defeat and the Treaty of Küçük Kaynarca. Despite military setbacks, his reform efforts laid groundwork for later Tanzimat transformations. He died in 1774 and was succeeded by his brother, Abdul Hamid I.

George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen, was a prominent British statesman and diplomat of the 19th century. Educated at Queen’s College, Oxford, he held ambassadorial posts in St. Petersburg and Paris before serving as Foreign Secretary. Known for his moderate Tory policies, he played a key role in shaping European alliances after the Napoleonic Wars. In 1852 he formed a coalition government and served as Prime Minister during the early years of the Crimean War. Though criticized for logistical failures in the conflict, he championed free trade and civil service reform. After resigning in 1855, he remained active in the House of Lords and influenced Conservative foreign policy until his death in 1860.

Born in 1797, Charles Gray Round trained in law and was called to the bar in England. He practiced as a barrister in London, building a reputation for his expertise in civil law. In the mid-19th century, he entered politics, standing as a Conservative candidate. He was elected to the House of Commons and served several consecutive terms representing his constituency. Throughout his political career, he was known for his speeches on legal reform and social issues of the era. He retired from politics later in life and returned to his legal roots. He died in 1867, leaving behind a legacy as a committed public servant bridging law and politics.

Born in 1818, George S. Boutwell studied law and was admitted to the bar. He launched his political career at the state level in Massachusetts before serving in the U.S. Congress. He held positions in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. In 1869, President Ulysses S. Grant appointed him as the 28th Secretary of the Treasury. During his tenure, he oversaw post-Civil War financial policies and fought corruption. He later championed civil service reform and continued to influence public policy. Boutwell passed away in 1905, remembered for his integrity and commitment to governance.

Born in 1822 in Scotland, Alexander Mackenzie emigrated to Canada and began his career as a businessman. Mackenzie entered politics and was elected to the House of Commons after Confederation. He succeeded Sir John A. Macdonald to become the second Prime Minister of Canada from 1873 to 1878. His administration focused on expanding the country's railway network and promoting Western settlement. He also oversaw the creation of key institutions to maintain law and order on the frontier. Mackenzie championed democratic reforms and the rights of new immigrants. He returned to opposition after his term and continued to influence Canadian politics until his death in 1892.

Born in 1833, Charles George Gordon trained as an officer in the Royal Engineers. He first rose to prominence for his leadership during the Taiping Rebellion in China. Later, as Governor of Sudan, he undertook efforts to suppress the slave trade and administer the province. In 1884–1885, he became famous for his defense of Khartoum against Mahdist forces. His dramatic death in the siege made him a Victorian-era martyr and symbol of British imperial heroism. Gordon was also known for his outspoken views on military and colonial policy. His legacy endures in military history and popular memory.