March 04

Abdullah al-Mahdi Billah was the founder of the Fatimid Caliphate and ruled from 909 until his death in 934. He proclaimed himself the first Fatimid Caliph and established his capital at Mahdia in North Africa. Under his leadership, the dynasty consolidated power through military campaigns and alliances. He promoted arts and scholarship, laying the cultural groundwork for his successors. His reign marked the beginning of over two centuries of Fatimid rule across the Mediterranean.

Stephen III reigned as King of Hungary from 1162 until his death in 1172. He ascended the throne as a teenager and defended his realm against Byzantine and Holy Roman incursions. His military victories preserved Hungary’s independence during a turbulent era. He enacted judicial reforms and strengthened royal authority. His untimely death at the age of 25 left a more centralized and stable kingdom.

Saladin, born Salah al-Din Yusuf, was the founder of the Ayyubid Sultanate and ruled from 1171 until 1193. He united Muslim territories across Egypt and Syria and recaptured Jerusalem from the Crusaders in 1187. Renowned for his chivalry and leadership, he maintained alliances that bolstered his military campaigns. His victory at the Battle of Hattin remains a hallmark of medieval warfare. Saladin’s legacy endures as a symbol of unity and justice in Islamic history.

Joan of England was an English princess who became Queen Consort of Scotland upon her marriage to King Alexander II in 1221. She served as a diplomatic bridge between England and Scotland during her reign. Joan patronized religious institutions and supported the construction of monasteries. Her marriage strengthened political ties, though it produced no surviving male heir. She died in 1238 while accompanying her husband, leaving a legacy of cultural exchange.

Yuri II Vsevolodovich was the Grand Prince of Vladimir who ruled intermittently between 1212 and 1238. He navigated rivalries among Rus’ principalities while defending his lands from steppe incursions. His later years were marked by the Mongol invasion, during which he died following the fall of Kiev. Yuri worked to expand and fortify Vladimir, laying early foundations for its rise. He is remembered for his efforts to maintain unity in a fragmented political landscape.

Daniel I, Prince of Moscow, was the youngest son of Alexander Nevsky and established the foundation of the Muscovite principality. He ruled from 1263 to 1303, transforming Moscow from a minor settlement into a growing political center. Through strategic alliances and development of trade routes, he expanded his territory. He invited artisans and fostered economic growth, setting the stage for Moscow’s later dominance. His dynasty would ultimately unite the Russian lands under Muscovite rule.

Jeanne d'Évreux (1310–1371) was queen consort of France through her marriage to King Charles IV in 1325. Born into the House of Évreux, she was the daughter of Louis, Count of Évreux. She played a role in the royal court during a period of dynastic uncertainty. Known for her patronage of the arts, she commissioned the famous Hours of Jeanne d'Évreux, illuminated by the artist Jean Pucelle. Despite her efforts to secure an heir, her marriage produced no surviving children. Her legacy endures through the exquisite devotional manuscripts she supported.

Sigismund of Austria (1427–1496) was a member of the Habsburg dynasty who governed Tyrol and Further Austria. He took the title of archduke in 1446 after a division of Habsburg lands with Emperor Frederick III. A patron of the arts, Sigismund commissioned architectural projects and collected coins, gems, and artworks that enriched his court. He introduced the 'Rosenmünze', a distinctive silver coin stamped with a rose, which became emblematic of his rule. Under his leadership, mining and trade in the Alpine region prospered, enhancing the prosperity of his domains. Despite conflicts with imperial authorities over territorial rights, he maintained considerable autonomy. His death in 1496 marked the reunification of Habsburg lands under Frederick III.

Louis III, Duke of Bourbon (1668–1710), was a French nobleman from the esteemed House of Bourbon. Inheriting the dukedom at a young age, he managed vast estates in central France, including the historic Bourbonnais region. Although he held no major military commands, Louis III served at the royal court under King Louis XIV and participated in courtly ceremonies. He focused on improving agricultural productivity on his lands and patronized local artisans and charitable institutions. His marriage to Louise-Françoise de Bourbon linked him closely to the royal family. Despite a relatively quiet public life, he maintained the prestige of his ancient title until his death in 1710, after which his line continued in French nobility.

Claude de Forbin (1656–1733) was a French naval officer and adventurer noted for his daring exploits under King Louis XIV. He rose to the rank of admiral after distinguishing himself in battles against the Dutch and Barbary pirates. In 1685, Forbin entered the service of King Narai of Siam, commanding Siamese naval forces and forging Franco-Siamese alliances. His memoirs recount voyages in Southeast Asia and dramatic episodes at the Siamese court. Returning to France, he continued his naval career, participating in conflicts during the War of the Spanish Succession. Forbin's blend of military skill and diplomatic acumen made him a unique figure of his era. His life story inspired later writers and remains a vivid example of 17th-century naval adventure.

John Anstis (1669–1744) was an English antiquarian and officer of arms who served as Garter Principal King of Arms from 1718 until his death. He was a pioneering genealogist whose research on heraldry and family lineages remains influential. Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1711, he also represented multiple constituencies in Parliament. His major work, "The Register of the Most Noble Order of the Garter", is still a key reference for scholars. Anstis’s dedication to historical scholarship helped shape the field of genealogy in Britain.

John Collins (1717–1795) was a prominent American politician who played a key role in post-Revolutionary Rhode Island. Elected governor in 1786, he helped stabilize the state’s finances and supported the ratification of the United States Constitution. Prior to his governorship, Collins served in the colonial assembly and as speaker of the House of Representatives. He promoted religious freedom and public education during his tenure. Collins’s leadership contributed to Rhode Island’s transition from colony to statehood.