January 29

An Lushan was a prominent Tang dynasty general born in 703. He rose to power as a favorite of Emperor Xuanzong. In 755, he launched the An Lushan Rebellion, one of the deadliest conflicts in history. His uprising severely weakened the Tang dynasty and reshaped Chinese politics. An Lushan declared himself emperor of the short-lived Yan dynasty. He was assassinated by his own son before the rebellion was fully quelled in 757.

Gelasius II was elected pope in 1118 amidst the Investiture Controversy. He clashed with Holy Roman Emperor Henry V over ecclesiastical appointments. Forced into exile, he continued to rally support for papal authority from southern Italy. His brief papacy saw efforts to reform church governance and assert papal independence. Gelasius II returned to Rome briefly before his untimely death in January 1119. He is remembered for his firm stance on church rights and his diplomatic struggles.

Born in 1530, Ammerbach served as an organist at Leipzig and later in Strasbourg. He published the first German organ tablatures, revolutionizing keyboard notation. His collections bridged sacred and secular music, showcasing intricate variations on chorales. Ammerbach's work influenced generations of organists in central Europe. He played a key role in documenting and preserving early Lutheran church music. His contributions remain a cornerstone of Renaissance keyboard repertoire.

Francis Meres studied at Cambridge and later served in the Church of England. In 1598, he published 'Palladis Tamia', a compendium of English literature and criticism. This work contains one of the earliest critical references to William Shakespeare's poems and plays. Meres combined theological insight with literary scholarship, reflecting his dual roles. His anthology became a valuable resource for understanding Elizabethan writers. Meres continued to write sermons and theological tracts until his death in 1647.

Born in 1593, Lobo joined the Society of Jesus and set out for India and Ethiopia. He spent over a decade in Abyssinia, interacting with local rulers and communities. Lobo's detailed narratives of geography, culture, and religion became a landmark European account. His letters and reports offered insights into the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and court life. After returning to Europe, he published his travels, influencing later explorers. Lobo's work remains a key source for historians of early modern Africa.

Born into the influential Sackville family in 1643, Charles became the 6th Earl of Dorset. He gained a reputation at court for his lively poetry and sharp wit. A friend of John Dryden and other leading writers, he supported literary talent. Sackville held various court offices under Charles II and James II. His verses and satirical pieces reflect the social life of Restoration England. He remained a key cultural figure until his death in 1706.

Born in 1666 into a noble Scottish family, Hamilton pursued a military career in Europe. He served in the armies of William of Orange and later under Queen Anne. In 1710, he was appointed Field Marshal and rewarded with the earldom of Orkney. Hamilton also held political office, including a term as Colonial Governor of Virginia. His leadership during the War of Spanish Succession earned him royal favor. He balanced military command with diplomatic and administrative roles until his death in 1737.

Born in 1653, Fleury rose to prominence as a capable bishop and royal tutor. In 1726, he became France's chief minister, effectively governing for the young Louis XV. He implemented fiscal reforms that stabilized the French economy after years of war. Fleury negotiated peace treaties that maintained European balance of power. His long tenure brought relative domestic peace and administrative efficiency. He remained a respected statesman until his death in 1743.

Born in 1696, Eguiara y Eguren studied canon law and theology in Europe. He returned to New Spain and served as rector of the University of Mexico. In 1755, he published the 'Bibliotheca Mexicana', a pioneering catalog of Mexican writers. His work aimed to promote the intellectual achievements of colonial Mexico. Eguiara y Eguren later became Bishop of Guadalajara, influencing church education. He died in 1763, leaving a legacy as a champion of New Spanish scholarship.

Louis Racine was born in 1692, the eldest son of the playwright Jean Racine. He initially pursued law but devoted himself to poetry and religious reflection. His odes and poems often explore themes of faith, nature, and human passion. Racine was a member of the Académie des Inscriptions et Belles-Lettres. His work bridged classical formality with Enlightenment ideas. He remained an influential poet until his death in 1763.

George III was King of Great Britain and Ireland from 1760 until his death in 1820. He oversaw the loss of the American colonies in the American Revolutionary War. His reign saw the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and major conflicts across Europe. Domestically, he supported agricultural innovation and the arts. In later years, he suffered from severe mental health crises that led to the Regency under his son. He remains one of the longest-reigning monarchs in British history.

Paul Barras was a prominent figure in the French Revolution, initially serving as a captain in the National Guard before rising to political power. As a member of the Committee of Public Safety, he played a key role in ending the Reign of Terror. In 1795, he became one of five Directors in the French Directory government, effectively serving as its dominant leader. He supported military campaigns that expanded French influence across Europe and was influential in the early career of Napoleon Bonaparte. After the coup of 18 Fructidor, his power waned, and he retired from public life following Napoleon's rise to power. Despite controversies over corruption, he left a lasting mark on Revolutionary France.