February 26

Porphyry of Gaza (347–420) was a Greek bishop whose leadership helped establish Christianity in the city of Gaza. He is remembered for his determined efforts to dismantle pagan shrines and temples, replacing them with Christian churches. Contemporary historians such as Socrates Scholasticus recorded his deeds, including reported miracles and exorcisms. Porphyry consecrated numerous churches and supported the expansion of the Christian community in the region. Venerated as a saint, his legacy endures through accounts of his spiritual fervor and his dedication to the faith.

Muirchertach mac Néill (died 943) was a powerful Irish king who ruled Ailech in the north of Ireland. As head of the Cenél nEógain branch of the Uí Néill dynasty, he played a central role in regional politics and warfare. He led campaigns into neighboring territories and maintained alliances through marriage and diplomacy. His reign helped shape the political landscape of early medieval Ireland and set the stage for his descendants' future influence. Although details of his life are sparse, he is remembered as one of the early High Kings of Ireland.

Roger II of Sicily (1095–1154) founded the Kingdom of Sicily and reigned from 1130 until his death. He unified territories across southern Italy, Sicily, and parts of North Africa under a centralized administration. His court at Palermo became a renowned center of culture, blending Latin, Greek, Arab, and Norman traditions. Roger patronized scholars, artists, and poets, fostering a unique multicultural environment. His legal reforms and administrative innovations laid the foundations for one of medieval Europe’s most prosperous realms.

Manfred of Sicily (1232–1266) was the illegitimate son of Emperor Frederick II who seized the Sicilian throne in 1258. His rule faced constant challenges from the papacy and rival claimants backed by Charles of Anjou. Manfred maintained his authority through diplomatic alliances and military victories against papal forces. He was ultimately defeated and killed at the Battle of Benevento in 1266, marking the end of Hohenstaufen rule in Sicily. His reign is remembered for its struggle between imperial ambition and papal opposition.

Margaret of England (1240–1275) was the daughter of King Henry III of England and Eleanor of Provence. She married King Alexander III of Scotland in 1251, strengthening the alliance between Scotland and England. Margaret was known for her piety and patronage of religious institutions in both kingdoms. Her marriage helped maintain a period of peace between the two realms until her untimely death in childbirth. She is remembered for her diplomatic role and the legacy of her children in Scottish royal lineage.

Fatima bint al-Ahmar (died 1349) was a princess of the Nasrid dynasty, which ruled the Emirate of Granada. As a daughter of the royal family, she held a prestigious position within the court during a period of cultural flourishing. The Nasrid court was renowned for its contributions to art, architecture, and literature in medieval Al-Andalus. Fatima's life coincided with ongoing conflicts between Granada and the Christian kingdoms during the Reconquista. Although details of her personal achievements are scarce, she exemplifies the role of women in preserving dynastic influence.

Roger Mortimer (1328–1360) inherited the title 2nd Earl of March and served as a leading commander under King Edward III. He fought in the Hundred Years' War, taking part in campaigns in France and the defense of the Scottish border. Mortimer was noted for his chivalric reputation and loyalty to the crown during a time of frequent conflict. He died in 1360 after falling ill during a military expedition in France. His contributions to England's military efforts are remembered as part of the early phases of the Hundred Years' War.

John de Vere (1408–1462) served as the 12th Earl of Oxford and was a prominent figure in the English peerage. He held important military and administrative roles, including steward of the household for King Henry VI. De Vere played a part in the governance of the realm during the Wars of the Roses, aligning with the Lancastrian cause. He was respected for his leadership at home and in occasional military engagements in France. His tenure exemplified the duties and responsibilities of a high-ranking noble in 15th-century England.

Lorenzino de' Medici (1514–1548) was a member of the powerful Medici family and a skilled writer of dialogues and letters. He is most infamous for the assassination of his cousin Alessandro de' Medici in 1537, which plunged Florence into political turmoil. After the murder, Lorenzino fled to Venice and later to France, continuing his literary pursuits in exile. His works provide insight into Renaissance political thought and the complexities of Medici power struggles. Lorenzino's life and death remain emblematic of the intersection between art, ideology, and political intrigue in 16th-century Italy.

Eric XIV of Sweden (1533–1577) ascended the throne in 1560 as the son of Gustav I and reigned until his deposition by his brother John III. His rule included efforts to expand Swedish influence in the Baltic and involvement in the Livonian War. Eric's interest in astrology and personal paranoia contributed to mental instability and the infamous Sture murders. He was overthrown in 1568 and imprisoned for the remainder of his life, dying under mysterious circumstances. Despite his troubled reign, Eric XIV is noted for his cultural patronage and administrative reforms in Sweden.

Maria of Austria was born in 1528 into the powerful Habsburg dynasty as daughter of Charles V and Isabella of Portugal. She married her cousin Emperor Maximilian II and served as Holy Roman Empress from 1564 until her death. Known for her devout Catholic faith, she played a key role in supporting the Counter-Reformation and advising the imperial court. Maria was a patron of the arts, commissioning religious and secular works inspired by Renaissance humanism. She navigated complex dynastic politics and maintained cordial relations with various European courts. Her legacy endures in the cultural and religious institutions she fostered across the Holy Roman Empire.

John Still was born in 1543 and studied theology at Cambridge University, rising to become Master of St John's College and Vice-Chancellor. He was appointed Dean of Rochester in 1589 before serving as Bishop of Bath and Wells from 1593 to 1607. A respected theologian, his eloquent sermons and writings influenced Elizabethan religious scholarship. Still championed church reforms and supported charitable works in his diocese. His treatise on naval history, 'Naumachia Britannica', reflects his diverse interests beyond theology. He died in 1608, remembered for his scholarly leadership and pastoral dedication.