February 20

Born into a low-status family around 500, Theodora rose to prominence through her work in Constantinople's entertainment world before marrying Justinian I. As Empress from 527 to 548, she wielded significant influence over imperial policy and court affairs. She championed legal reforms that improved the status of women, including anti-human trafficking laws and expanded divorce rights. During the Nika riots of 532, her resolve helped persuade Justinian to remain in the capital and suppress the revolt. Theodora also founded charitable institutions such as hospitals and convents. Her diplomatic skills strengthened Byzantine relations with neighboring states. Revered as a saint by the Orthodox Church, her legacy endures in architecture and art depicting her benevolence.

Born in 978, Yaroslav succeeded his brother to rule Novgorod before becoming Grand Prince of Kiev in 1019. He invited scholars to his court and fostered the construction of Saint Sophia Cathedral. Yaroslav codified the first legal code, the Russkaya Pravda, consolidating justice across his realm. Through strategic marriage alliances, he strengthened ties with European dynasties and boosted trade. His reign saw economic growth, flourishing arts, and increased literacy. Yaroslav maintained peace with neighboring powers while defending against nomadic incursions. Upon his death in 1054, his laws and cultural achievements endured as the foundation of Eastern Slavic civilization.

Born in 1138 to the ducal family of Brittany, Conan inherited the title Duke of Brittany in 1156. He reinforced his position by marrying Margaret, daughter of Henry of Scotland, strengthening ties to the Anglo-Norman realm. Conan navigated complex feudal loyalties, balancing the interests of France and England. He implemented administrative reforms to centralize ducal authority and foster trade in Brittany’s ports. Despite conflicts with local barons, his diplomatic skills maintained relative peace. His death in 1171 led to a regency for his young heir, marking a period of unrest. Conan’s reign laid groundwork for Brittany’s future prominence in medieval Europe.

Born around 1138, Tancred was the illegitimate son of Roger III of Apulia and nephew of King William II of Sicily. He seized the Sicilian crown in 1189 after William’s death, amid disputes over succession. Tancred faced immediate threats from Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI, leading to military engagements across Sicily. He secured support from the island’s barons and Arab-Sicilian populace, preserving the kingdom’s independence. Tancred established alliances through marriage with the Byzantine nobility. His brief reign saw cultural flourishing and the strengthening of Palermo as a Mediterranean center. Tancred died in 1194 during conflict with imperial forces, ending Norman autonomy in Sicily.

Born in 1213, Al-Musta'sim ascended to the Abbasid Caliphate in 1242, inheriting a realm weakened by internal strife. Under his rule, the Mongol Empire under Hulagu Khan advanced toward the Middle East. Despite warnings, Al-Musta'sim failed to form effective alliances or fortify Baghdad adequately. In 1258, the city fell after a brutal siege, leading to massive destruction and loss of life. The Mongols executed Al-Musta'sim, ending the 500-year Abbasid Caliphate. His death symbolized the collapse of classical Islamic authority. The fall of Baghdad had lasting cultural and political ramifications across the Islamic world.

Born in 1341, Henry Percy inherited vast estates in northern England and rose to prominence under King Edward III. Appointed Earl Marshal in 1377, he oversaw royal armies and funerary ceremonies. Percy played a key role in suppressing the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 and maintained order along the Scottish border. He cultivated influence at Richard II’s court but later supported Henry IV’s accession in 1399. Percy’s tenure was marked by administrative reforms and castle construction in Northumberland. His patronage extended to religious houses and local guilds. Dying in 1408, he left a powerful legacy, continued by his famed son “Hotspur.”

Born into the ruling Branković dynasty, Lazar assumed the title Despot of Serbia in 1456 after his brother’s death. His brief reign was marked by diplomatic efforts to secure support from Hungary against Ottoman encroachment. Lazar strengthened fortifications around the capital and attempted to centralize administration. Internal noble rivalries and external threats strained the despotate’s resources. He married Helena Palaiologina, linking Serbian and Byzantine nobility. Lazar died childless in 1458, leading to a contested succession. His rule is seen as the final chapter of a once-powerful medieval Serbian state.

Born in 1455, John ascended to the Danish throne in 1481. He ruled as King of Norway and Sweden, uniting the Nordic kingdoms under the Kalmar Union. His reign was challenged by Swedish noble resistance and internal conflicts. He strengthened his rule through diplomatic marriages and balancing rival powers. His death in 1513 signaled the start of the Kalmar Union's eventual fragmentation.

Born around 1500, Tecun Uman was a prince of the Kʼicheʼ Maya people. He led indigenous resistance against Spanish conquistador Pedro de Alvarado. Legend says he fought a duel with Alvarado on the shores of the Oxolotán River. He fell in battle on February 20, 1524, becoming a symbol of Maya bravery. He is honored as Guatemala's national hero with monuments and cultural ceremonies.

Born in 1509, Nicholas Bacon was educated at Cambridge and Gray's Inn. He entered the English court and rose to prominence under Queen Elizabeth I. In 1558 he was appointed Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, leading the Court of Chancery. He implemented legal reforms and upheld the stability of Elizabethan governance. A patron of education and the arts, he founded several grammar schools. He was also the father of philosopher Francis Bacon and died in 1579.

Born in 1554 to William of Orange and Anna of Saxony. He was taken to the Spanish court in 1580 and educated under royal patronage. He became Prince of Orange in 1584 after his father's assassination but never returned to the Netherlands. His absence allowed his younger brother Maurice to lead the Dutch Republic. He spent his life in Spain and died in Madrid in 1618, ending his brief tenure.

Born in 1701 as the son of Victor Amadeus II, he ascended to the throne of Sardinia in 1730. He led military campaigns during the War of Polish Succession and the War of Austrian Succession, enhancing his realm's prestige. As king, he introduced administrative and fiscal reforms that strengthened the economy. He was a patron of the arts, commissioning significant architectural projects in Turin. His reign brought stability and growth to Sardinia-Piedmont. He died in 1773 and was succeeded by his son Victor Amadeus III.