March 22

Severus Alexander was born in 208 AD and became Roman emperor at the age of 13. He is considered the last ruler of the Severan dynasty and sought to implement military and financial reforms. His reign was marked by efforts to strengthen the empire's borders and improve relations with the army. Despite his youth, he attempted to restore stability following years of turmoil. In 235 AD, he was assassinated by his own troops, an event that precipitated the Year of the Six Emperors.

Carloman of Bavaria was the eldest son of King Louis the German and a grandson of Charlemagne. He became joint ruler of Bavaria in 876 and sole king after his brother's death. His brief reign was marked by internal strife among the Carolingian heirs. He sought to defend his realm against external threats such as Viking raids. Carloman died unexpectedly in 880, leaving his lands to his brothers. His death contributed to the fragmentation of Carolingian authority in East Francia.

William of Norwich was a child living in medieval England whose mysterious death led to accusations against the local Jewish community. His case in 1144 became the first documented blood libel, fueling anti-Semitic violence across Europe. Contemporary accounts claimed ritual murder, though modern historians debate the evidence. The legend of William influenced church and secular attitudes toward Jews for centuries. His story serves as an early example of the dangers of prejudice and false accusations.

Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster, was born in 1278 into one of the wealthiest noble families in England. He became a central figure in the baronial opposition to King Edward II and his favorite, Piers Gaveston. Lancaster held the title Lord High Steward and wielded significant political and military influence. After rebelling against the king, he was captured and executed in 1322, becoming a martyr for noble rights. His life illustrates the tensions between the monarchy and nobility in medieval England.

Born in the mid-14th century, Dietrich of Nieheim served as a bishop in the Catholic Church and as a canon of Würzburg. He witnessed the turmoil of the Western Schism and penned detailed accounts of the conflict between rival popes. His works, including the De schismate and De iusto imperio, remain important sources for understanding medieval church politics. Dietrich combined his ecclesiastical duties with scholarly pursuits, demonstrating keen legal and historical insight. He died in 1418, leaving behind a legacy as both a cleric and an influential historian.

Thomas of Lancaster was born in 1388 as the second son of King Henry IV of England. He was created 1st Duke of Clarence and served as a prominent commander during the Hundred Years' War. Thomas led English forces at the Battle of Agincourt and later campaigns in France. In 1421, he commanded troops at the Battle of Baugé where he was killed in combat. His death was a significant blow to English ambitions and marked a turning point in the war.

John Kemp's early career saw him rise through the church hierarchy, serving as Bishop of Rochester and London. He was appointed Lord Chancellor in 1432 and later became Archbishop of York. In 1452, he was named Archbishop of Canterbury, the highest clerical office in England. Kemp played a key role in the political conflicts of the Wars of the Roses, advising King Henry VI. He died in 1454, remembered as a skilled administrator and influential church leader.

Born in 1420, George of Poděbrady emerged as a leader of the Hussites and was elected King of Bohemia in 1458. He worked to heal religious divisions by promoting moderate Utraquist beliefs and legal reforms. George championed diplomatic solutions and proposed a European league to prevent warfare. His reign saw efforts to maintain Bohemian independence amid pressures from the papacy and neighboring powers. Despite challenges, he secured a period of relative stability before his death in 1471. He is remembered as a visionary ruler committed to tolerance and peace.

Born in 1488, Johannes Magnus became Archbishop of Uppsala and served the Catholic Church during the Reformation. Exiled from Sweden in 1527, he settled in Rome and continued his ecclesiastical work. He is best known for his two-volume Historia de omnibus Gothorum Sueonumque regibus, a historical and legendary account of Swedish kings. His writings influenced national identity and sparked interest in Scandinavian heritage. Johannes died in Rome in 1544, leaving a legacy as both a theologian and historian.

Agostino Carracci was born in 1557 into the famous Carracci family of artists in Bologna. Along with his cousins, he co-founded the Accademia degli Incamminati, revolutionizing art training in the late Renaissance. His paintings are noted for their dynamic compositions and expressive naturalism. He also contributed engravings and developed new printmaking techniques. Agostino's teaching and collaborations had a lasting impact on the Baroque movement before his death in 1602.

Born in 1638 as Imperial Prince Nagahito, he ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 1655 at age 17. During his reign, he navigated court politics under the Tokugawa shogunate and promoted cultural activities. He was known for his interest in waka poetry, calligraphy, and the tea ceremony. In 1663, he abdicated in favor of his brother but continued to influence imperial rituals and the arts. He passed away in 1685, leaving a legacy as a cultured and scholarly sovereign.

Born in Florence in 1632, Lully moved to France as a young boy and quickly rose to prominence in Louis XIV's court. He pioneered the French opera and developed the ballet de cour into a refined art form. Appointed director of the Royal Music Academy, he shaped musical tastes and set standards for orchestral performance. His collaborations with playwright Molière produced innovative comédie-ballets. Lully's career ended tragically in 1687 when he accidentally injured his foot with a conducting staff and died of gangrene.