March 23

Emperor Go-Kōgon was born in 1338 and ascended to the throne in 1352 at a young age. He was the fourth ruler of the Northern Court during the Nanboku-chō period of Japanese history. His reign was marked by the ongoing conflict with the Southern Court led by Emperor Go-Murakami. Despite political turmoil, he maintained close ties with the Ashikaga shogunate. Go-Kōgon abdicated in 1371 in favor of his son and spent his later years in religious pursuits. He passed away in 1374, leaving a legacy tied to one of Japan’s most fractious eras.

Born in 1430 to the King of Naples, she married Henry VI of England in 1445. As Queen consort, she navigated court politics and championed Lancastrian interests. During her husband’s bouts of mental illness, she effectively acted as regent and made critical decisions in governance. Her leadership became especially prominent during the Wars of the Roses, where she rallied forces to defend her family’s claim. Despite infighting and military defeats, she remained a formidable opponent to the Yorkists. Margaret lived in exile after Henry’s deposition and later died in France in 1482.

Born into the powerful Medici family in 1514, Lorenzino gained notoriety for his bold political act. In 1537, he assassinated his cousin Alessandro de’ Medici, effectively ending the ducal line in Florence. His actions led to the brief restoration of a republican government in the city-state. Beyond his political deed, Lorenzino was also a writer and left behind memoirs detailing the intrigues of his era. He published 'Florence Captive', a work reflecting his personal experiences and views on liberty. Fearing retribution, he lived in exile until his murder in Venice in 1548.

Born in 1599 in Lüneburg, Selle became one of the leading German composers of the early Baroque period. He served as Kantor in Hamburg, where he was responsible for the city's church music. Selle composed numerous motets, psalms, and sacred concertos that blended intricate counterpoint with emerging styles. His collection 'Prodromus cantilenarum sacrarum' exemplifies his mastery of vocal polyphony. Through his teaching and compositions, Selle influenced the next generation of Northern German composers. He remained active in Hamburg until his death in 1663, leaving a legacy of rich liturgical music.

Born in 1614, Jahanara Begum was the eldest daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. As the Padshah Begum, she held the highest rank among the royal women and played a vital role at court. Jahanara was a patron of the arts, commissioning gardens, mosques, and caravanserais, including her favorite pleasure garden, Shah Jahani Bagh. She also championed charitable causes, distributing alms and supporting religious scholars. During the war of succession among her brothers, she initially supported Dara Shikoh before adapting to the changing political landscape. Jahanara remained an influential figure until her death in 1681, leaving a lasting mark on Mughal culture.

Born in 1643 in Tenerife, she entered the Dominican lay community devoted to prayer and service. Mary became celebrated for her deep mystical experiences and reported visions of Christ. She was believed to have received the stigmata and exhibited extraordinary piety and humility. Her spiritual correspondence and testimonies attracted followers seeking her guidance. Despite living a cloistered life, her reputation spread across the Canary Islands and mainland Spain. She died in 1731, leaving behind a legacy of devotion that inspired beatification efforts centuries later.

Born in 1732 at Versailles, Marie Adélaïde was the eldest surviving daughter of Louis XV and Queen Marie Leszczyńska. She was known for her spirited personality and deep devotion, balancing courtly life with charitable works. Adélaïde served as a confidante to her father and played a subtle role in court politics. Unmarried throughout her life, she devoted her later years to religious reflection. With the onset of the French Revolution, she and her sister sought refuge abroad. Marie Adélaïde died in exile in 1800, remembered for her grace and loyalty to the monarchy.

Born in 1749, Laplace rose from modest origins to become one of the leading mathematicians of his time. He formulated the Laplace transform and advanced the analytic theory of probability. His five-volume 'Mécanique céleste' translated Newtonian mechanics into rigorous mathematical form. Laplace also proposed the nebular hypothesis, suggesting that the solar system formed from a rotating gas cloud. Serving in various French governmental roles, he navigated the turbulent eras of the Revolution and the Empire. He was ennobled by Napoleon and later by Louis XVIII, dying in 1827 with his scientific legacy firmly established.

Born in 1750 in Feldsberg, Sperger became one of the foremost double bass virtuosos of his era. He served in prestigious orchestras, including the Vienna Hofkapelle, showcasing his technical mastery. As a composer, he wrote symphonies, concertos, and chamber works, often featuring the double bass. His 'Concertante for Double Bass' remains a seminal work in the instrument's literature. Sperger’s music bridged the late Baroque and Classical styles, influencing subsequent bass composers. He retired in 1808 and died in 1812, leaving a lasting impact on double bass performance.

Born in 1754 in the Habsburg Empire, Vega combined military service with mathematical research. As an artillery officer, he applied his expertise to ballistics and fortification design. His 'Thesaurus Logarithmorum Completus' contained highly accurate logarithmic and trigonometric tables used across Europe. Vega also published works on algebra and numerical methods, demonstrating practical applications of mathematics. His contributions earned him recognition from scientific academies of the time. He died in 1802, and his tables remained a standard reference well into the 19th century.

Augustin Daniel Belliard (1769–1832) was a French general of division who distinguished himself during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars, commanding troops at key battles across Europe. He earned acclaim for his leadership at engagements such as Hohenlinden and Marengo. After the fall of Napoleon, Belliard transitioned to diplomacy, serving as France's envoy to the United States and the Netherlands. His career bridged military command and international relations during a transformative era in European history. He retired with honors, remembered for both his battlefield command and statesmanship.

William Smith (1769–1839) was an English geologist and surveyor who produced the first detailed geological map of England and Wales in 1815. He pioneered the principle of faunal succession, observing that layers of rock could be identified by the fossils they contained. Smith's work laid the foundation for modern stratigraphy and revolutionized geological science. Despite early financial struggles, he gained recognition from the Geological Society and was awarded its first Wollaston Medal. He is celebrated for transforming our understanding of Earth's history and structure.