March 10

Pope Simplicius served as bishop of Rome from 468 until his death in 483, leading the Western Church during the decline of the Western Roman Empire. Facing the aftermath of barbarian invasions and political fragmentation, he worked to protect church properties and uphold orthodox doctrine. He negotiated with Gothic kings and arranged for the restoration of churches in Rome. His papacy saw efforts to strengthen ecclesiastical discipline and support the clergy. Simplicius was later canonized, and his feast day is celebrated on March 10. His leadership laid foundations for the medieval papacy’s temporal and spiritual authority.

Born in 895, Liu Zhiyuan rose through the ranks of the Shatuo Turk military elite serving the Later Jin dynasty. In 947, he declared himself Emperor Gaozu of the Later Han dynasty, restoring native Chinese rule in northern China. His brief reign focused on stabilizing the realm after years of warfare during the Five Dynasties period. He implemented reforms to strengthen the central government and reward loyal generals. Liu’s sudden death in 948 led to the succession of his teenage son Liu Chengyou. Despite his short rule, he is remembered for restoring unity and laying groundwork for his successors.

Arghun, a grandson of Hulagu Khan, succeeded to the Ilkhan throne in 1284 and governed the Persian segment of the Mongol Empire. He navigated internal rivalries and sought alliances with European powers against the Mamluks. Arghun promoted Buddhism and Christianity in his court while maintaining Mongol traditions. He faced rebellions and financial strain but patronized cultural and religious diversity. His reign saw advances in Persian administration and arts under Mongol rule. He died in 1291 and was succeeded by his brother Baydu.

Born in Vienna, Agnes Blannbekin became a Franciscan tertiary known for profound mystical visions. She dictated her experiences to a confessor, producing texts that describe dialogues with Christ, the Virgin Mary, and angels. Her revelations emphasized humility, charity, and the passion of Christ. Despite living in poverty, she drew spiritual followers and was celebrated for her holiness. Her works offer rare insight into female mysticism in the 14th century. Though never officially canonized, she was revered as Blessed Agnes and her feast is observed by some Franciscan communities.

John de Vere served as a trusted adviser and commander under King Edward IV, excelling in the Wars of the Roses. He fought at the Battle of Barnet and commanded royal forces, earning the title Lord High Constable of England. As Earl of Oxford, he managed extensive estates and held significant political influence. He navigated the turbulent transition between Yorkist and Tudor rule, maintaining royal favor. De Vere was known for loyalty to the crown and administrative skill. His legacy continued through the noble de Vere family, one of England’s oldest earldoms.

Born circa 1480, Balthasar Hübmaier became a leading figure in the Radical Reformation, championing adult baptism. He studied law and theology, eventually rejecting infant baptism and aligning with Swiss Anabaptists. Hübmaier’s writings defended religious liberty and the separation of church and state. In 1527 he returned to Moravia to found an Anabaptist congregation in Nikolsburg. He was arrested in Vienna and burned at the stake in 1528 for his theological views. His martyrdom and works influenced later Anabaptist traditions and Baptist movements.

William Paulet held key roles under Henry VIII, including Lord High Treasurer and Lord Privy Seal. He skillfully navigated the reigns of Edward VI, Mary I, and Elizabeth I, retaining royal favor across religious upheavals. Elevated to Marquess of Winchester in 1551, he managed the kingdom’s finances and domestic affairs. Known for political acumen and adaptability, he was one of the longest-serving officers of state. Paulet’s career exemplified continuity in government during the tumultuous Tudor period. His influence shaped policies on religion, finance, and administration in 16th-century England.

Born in Mechelen in 1517, Rembert Dodoens studied medicine at Leuven and Strasbourg. His landmark work 'Cruydeboeck' (1554) cataloged over 900 plants with detailed descriptions and illustrations. Dodoens’ herbal was translated into multiple languages, shaping Renaissance botany across Europe. He served as court physician to the Archdukes of Austria in Brussels. His taxonomic approach laid groundwork for later botanists and the Linnaean system. Dodoens also contributed to pharmacology, advising on medicinal plant uses.

Born in Haarlem in 1628, Jacob van Ruisdael became one of the Netherlands’ greatest landscape artists. His works featuring forests, waterfalls, and mills combined realistic detail with emotional depth. Ruisdael’s etchings and paintings influenced later European landscape traditions. He was renowned for his masterful use of light and composition to evoke mood. His paintings remain prized in major museums worldwide. Ruisdael’s legacy endures as a leading figure of 17th-century Dutch art.

Born in 1641, Urban Hjärne studied medicine at Uppsala and Leiden before returning to Sweden to practice. He was appointed royal physician and played a key role in treating epidemics and advising the court. Hjärne conducted pioneering work in mineralogy, laying groundwork for modern geology. He authored influential treatises on chemistry, pathology, and natural history. As a founder of the Swedish Collegium Medicum, he helped regulate medical practice in Sweden. His interdisciplinary contributions earned him recognition as a leading scientist of his era.

Élie Catherine Fréron was a prominent figure of the French Enlightenment, celebrated for his sharp literary criticism. He founded the Année littéraire, a journal that challenged the philosophical optimism of his contemporaries. His outspoken style earned him fierce debates with Voltaire, who satirized him as "Tronchon". Fréron's critiques emphasized moral values and traditional literary standards over radical ideas. Despite censorship and pressure, he continued to defend his journalistic independence. Fréron’s work influenced the evolution of literary journalism and critical discourse in 18th-century France.

Born in Gibraltar in 1713 to James Stuart, 2nd Earl of Bute, John Stuart enjoyed a privileged education. He became tutor and close confidant of the young Prince George, later King George III. Following George III’s accession in 1760, Bute was appointed Prime Minister in 1762, the first Scots-born occupant of the office. His tenure saw the conclusion of the Seven Years’ War with the Treaty of Paris in 1763. Bute’s government faced criticism for alleged favoritism and excessive taxation, leading to his resignation later that year. Despite his brief term, he shaped early British policy under George III and influenced the royal prerogative. He retired to the Isle of Bute, where he died in 1792.