April 18

Wilhelm von Grumbach (1503–1567) was a Franconian adventurer and knight known for his turbulent conflicts with regional princes. He became notorious for launching the Grumbach Feud against the Prince-Bishopric of Würzburg, aligning with disaffected nobles. After a series of raids and alliances, he was captured and tried for rebellion. His execution in 1567 marked the end of one of the era's most dramatic private wars. Grumbach's life exemplified the volatile power struggles among the German nobility during the Reformation.

Thor Heyerdahl was born in Larvik, Norway in 1914 and studied zoology and geography before embarking on his groundbreaking research. In 1947, he led the Kon-Tiki expedition, sailing 8,000 kilometers on a balsawood raft to demonstrate possible prehistoric transoceanic contact. He later sailed the Ra and Ra II papyrus boats across the Atlantic to test his theories on ancient maritime travel. Heyerdahl published numerous books and documentaries that challenged conventional archaeological wisdom and inspired a generation of explorers. His work combined adventurous spirit with scientific inquiry, making him one of the most celebrated explorers of the 20th century.