March 18

Born in Eastern Persia in 1075, Al-Zamakhshari emerged as a leading Arabic linguist. His seminal work, Al-Kashshaf, set new standards in Quranic commentary and Arabic philology. A proponent of the Mu'tazila school, he blended rationalist theology with linguistic precision. His writings influenced subsequent generations of Islamic scholars and remained reference points for centuries. Al-Zamakhshari's legacy continues to shape the study of the Arabic language and Qur'anic exegesis.

Born on March 18, 1495, as the youngest daughter of King Henry VII of England. Married King Louis XII of France in 1514 to cement a political alliance between England and France. Widowed within months after Louis's death, she returned to England in 1515. Defied expectations by secretly marrying Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk, in 1515. Renowned for her lively personality and charitable works until her death in 1533.

Born in 1548 in Gouda, he became a leading figure of Dutch Mannerism. He traveled to Italy to study classical art and returned with a distinctively elegant style. Ketel worked in London and Amsterdam, producing lively group portraits and intricate engravings. He taught and influenced artists such as Hendrick Goltzius. His work bridged Northern and Southern European artistic traditions.

Born in 1552, he studied theology at the University of Wittenberg. Leyser served as a professor and preacher, defending the doctrines of the Lutheran Reformation. He authored important theological treatises on church governance and sacramental theology. His works helped solidify orthodox beliefs in the early Lutheran church. Leyser’s influence extended through his students and published writings until his death in 1610.

Born in 1554 into the House of Waldeck, he inherited the County of Waldeck-Eisenberg. Josias I oversaw religious reforms and fortified towns to strengthen his territory. He navigated the complex politics of the Holy Roman Empire during the Reformation. His patronage supported local clergy and artisans, fostering cultural growth. He died in 1588, leaving a legacy of stability and development in his county.

Born in 1555 as the youngest brother of Kings Francis II and Charles IX of France. Raised at the French court, he received the title Duke of Anjou and Alençon. He allied with Dutch Protestants and was invited to lead the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. He led a failed coup attempt in Antwerp in 1583, known as the French Fury, which damaged his reputation. He died of tuberculosis in 1584, ending French hopes of influence in the Netherlands.

Born in 1578 in Frankfurt am Main, he trained under Philipp Uffenbach. Elsheimer moved to Rome and became known for his cabinet paintings on copper. He mastered dramatic lighting and atmospheric effects in works like The Flight into Egypt. His collaborations with Rubens helped spread his innovative style across Europe. Although he died young in 1610, his influence endured among Baroque artists.

Born in 1590 in Alcácer do Sal, he later settled in Madrid as a scholar. His major work, Asia Portuguesa, detailed the history of Portuguese exploration in Asia. He wrote poetry in Portuguese and Spanish, blending classical and Iberian styles. Faria e Sousa’s meticulous research set new standards for early modern historiography. He died in 1649, leaving a rich legacy of historical and literary works.

Born in 1597 in La Flèche, France, he devoted his life to charitable works. He co-founded the Société Notre-Dame de Montréal to establish a Catholic colony in New France. Dauversière recruited settlers and clergy to found Ville-Marie in 1642, the future Montreal. He promoted care for Indigenous peoples and the spiritual mission of the colony. His vision laid the foundations for one of North America’s most enduring cities.

Born in 1603 in Yorkshire, he emigrated to Massachusetts in 1630. Bradstreet became a leading magistrate and helped draft the colony’s legal codes. He served as governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony from 1679 to 1686 and again in 1689. A respected elder statesman, he navigated political tensions during King Philip’s War. He died in 1697, remembered for his steady leadership and ties to poet Anne Bradstreet.

Frederick III was the son of Christian IV and ascended the thrones of Denmark and Norway in 1648. He faced the challenges of the Northern Wars against Sweden and negotiated the Treaty of Copenhagen in 1660. In the same year, he ushered in hereditary and absolute monarchy, centralizing power in the crown. His reign saw the expansion of Denmark’s diplomatic relationships, notably with France and the Holy Roman Empire. He patronized the arts and commissioned major court projects like Frederiksborg Castle. Frederick's governance left a lasting legacy on the structure of the Danish state.

Marie-Madeleine Pioche de La Vergne, better known as Madame de La Fayette, was born into the aristocratic La Vergne family in 1634. She served at the court of Louis XIV, where her literary talents flourished amidst salon culture. In 1678 she anonymously published La Princesse de Clèves, a pioneering work that delved into the inner lives and moral conflicts of its characters. The novel is celebrated for its elegant prose and in-depth psychological insight, marking a milestone in French literature. Madame de La Fayette also wrote shorter works like La Princesse de Montpensier and L'Histoire de la cour de France. Her letters and memoirs provide valuable perspectives on the court life of the 17th century.