February 18

Colmán was born in Ireland in the early 7th century and became a monk at Iona under St. Columba. Around 661, he succeeded St. Aidan as bishop of Lindisfarne and led the community there. He became renowned for his defense of Celtic Christian practices, particularly the method of calculating the date of Easter. At the Synod of Whitby in 664, Colmán’s stance on the Celtic Easter clashed with Roman customs, leading him to resign his see. He returned to Iona and later founded a monastery on the island of Inishbofin. Colmán’s missionary zeal and leadership left a lasting legacy, and he is honored as a saint in both Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

Angilbert, born around 760, was a Frankish monk and close advisor to Charlemagne. He managed diplomatic missions to the Lombards and Saxons and helped negotiate treaties on behalf of the emperor. As abbot of the monastery of St. Riquier, he oversaw the revival of learning and the production of manuscripts. He married Bertha, the illegitimate daughter of Charlemagne, and fathered children with royal connections. His poetry celebrates the cultural achievements of the Carolingian Renaissance and provides insight into court life. Angilbert’s blend of religious devotion and political acumen made him a key figure in the cultural flowering of his era.

Thābit ibn Qurra was born in Harran in 826 and became one of the most influential scholars of the Islamic Golden Age. He translated key works of Greek mathematics and astronomy, including those of Archimedes and Apollonius, into Arabic, preserving and expanding their knowledge. Thābit developed original theorems in number theory and advanced trigonometric methods used in astronomy. He made significant observations of celestial bodies and worked on the theory of motion. In medicine, he wrote treatises on anatomy and dietetics, blending empirical observation with classical learning. His vast corpus of writings and translations played a crucial role in the transmission of ancient science to later generations.

Born Bruno of Carinthia around 972, Gregory V was a member of the Ottonian dynasty and the nephew of Emperor Otto II. In 996, he was appointed pope by Otto III, becoming the first pontiff of German origin. Gregory V’s papacy was marked by his efforts to reform the clergy and strengthen papal authority over the Western Church. He faced opposition from rival factions and was briefly driven from Rome by an antipope supported by the Crescentii family. With imperial backing, he returned to Rome and continued his reforms until his sudden death in 999. His close ties to the imperial court shaped the developing relationship between the papacy and the Holy Roman Empire.

Yaropolk II, born in 1082, ascended to the throne of Kiev in 1132 as a member of the Rurikid dynasty. His reign was characterized by internal conflicts among rival princes and shifting alliances. He worked to maintain control over key cities such as Chernihiv and Pereiaslav, balancing the interests of powerful boyar families. He also engaged in diplomatic relations with the Byzantine Empire and neighboring steppe tribes. Yaropolk’s rule saw both periods of stability and episodes of rebellion as he navigated complex feudal dynamics. He died in 1139, leaving his disputed legacy to be contested by his successors.

Berthold V was born in 1160 into the powerful Zähringen family and inherited the title of Duke of Zähringen. He expanded his territories by securing the Margraviate of Baden and founding cities like Freiburg and Bern. Known as a shrewd politician, he mediated disputes between local nobles and the Holy Roman Emperor. Berthold supported imperial policies in Italy and maintained strong ties with the Hohenstaufen dynasty. He patronized monastic communities and oversaw the construction of castles that reinforced his regional authority. His death in 1218 marked the end of Zähringen power, and his territories were divided among his heirs.

Hugh Bigod was a member of the influential Bigod family and inherited the earldom of Norfolk in the early 13th century. He played a significant role in the power struggles between King John and the barons, often shifting his allegiance to protect his interests. Bigod held key castles and lands in East Anglia, making him a formidable regional power. He attended the negotiations that led to the Magna Carta and later resisted royal attempts to curb baronial rights. Despite his conflicts, he maintained a reputation as a capable administrator and military commander. His death in 1225 passed his titles to his son, who continued the family's prominence.

Born in 1215 as the grandson of Genghis Khan, Kublai was a skilled military leader and administrator. In 1271, he proclaimed the founding of the Yuan dynasty and moved the capital to Khanbaliq (modern Beijing). Kublai implemented reforms to integrate Mongol and Chinese governance, promoting trade along the Silk Road and inviting foreign travelers like Marco Polo. He supported Buddhism and patronized the arts, commissioning monumental architecture and cultural works. His reign saw the consolidation of Mongol rule over China and parts of Southeast Asia. Kublai’s policies advanced economic development but also faced resistance from traditional Chinese elites. He died in 1294, leaving a legacy as one of Asia’s most powerful rulers.

Albert II, born in 1318, was a member of the House of Mecklenburg and co-ruled the duchy with his relatives. He focused on strengthening the regional economy by fostering trade in Hanseatic cities and improving infrastructure. Albert navigated complex feudal relationships with the Holy Roman Emperor and neighboring princes, often through diplomatic marriages. He commissioned the construction of fortifications and patronized local monasteries. Under his leadership, Mecklenburg maintained stability during a period of political fragmentation in the Holy Roman Empire. He died in 1379, and his successors continued to develop the territories he helped secure.

Enguerrand VII de Coucy, born in 1340, was one of the wealthiest and most powerful nobles of medieval France. He held the title of Count of Saint-Pol and lord of Coucy, commanding vast estates. Enguerrand served as a military commander in the Hundred Years’ War, fighting at Poitiers and other key battles. He married into the English royal family, strengthening diplomatic ties between France and England. Known for his chivalric reputation, he rebuilt the Château de Coucy into a formidable fortress. His leadership in both warfare and governance highlighted the role of high nobility in 14th-century politics. He died in 1397, leaving a legacy of cultural patronage and martial prowess.

Fra Angelico, born Guido di Pietro, was an Italian painter and Dominican friar of the Order of Saint Dominic. He is celebrated for his frescoes at the Convent of San Marco in Florence, which display delicate colors and spiritual expression. His work bridged Gothic traditions and the emerging Renaissance style. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982 for his devout life and artistic achievements. His legacy influenced generations of artists including Benozzo Gozzoli and Domenico Ghirlandaio.

George Plantagenet, 1st Duke of Clarence, was a member of the House of York and played a complex role in the Wars of the Roses. He was the third son of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York, and Cecily Neville. Initially supporting King Edward IV, he later switched allegiance to the Lancastrian side, leading to his conviction for treason. He was famously executed in the Tower of London, reportedly by drowning in a butt of Malmsey wine. His life reflects the turbulent dynastic struggles of 15th-century England.