April 27

Born in 85 BC into a patrician Roman family, he served as a trusted lieutenant under Julius Caesar and was appointed governor of Cisalpine Gaul. Despite his loyalty, he joined the conspiracy that led to Caesar's assassination in 44 BC and became one of the Liberators. He commanded forces in Gaul and resisted Mark Antony’s supporters, fighting at Mutina and later at the Battle of Philippi in 42 BC. After the Liberators’ defeat, he fled to the provinces, where he was ultimately betrayed and killed in 43 BC. His actions influenced the final collapse of the Roman Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. He remains a controversial figure, remembered both for his military skill and his role in the murder of Caesar.

Born in 1564 at Petworth House in Sussex, Henry Percy inherited the earldom and vast estates as a young man. A patron of mathematics, astronomy, and alchemy, he studied alongside prominent scholars and amassed a notable library. He served in the House of Lords and held regional offices, including Lord Lieutenant of Northumberland. Despite his loyalty to King James I, he was imprisoned for 16 years after being suspected—though never proven—to have foreknowledge of the Gunpowder Plot. Released in 1621, he spent his remaining years focusing on his intellectual pursuits until his death in 1632.

Born in 1593 as Arjumand Banu Begum, she married Prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan) in 1612 and became his favorite consort. Renamed Mumtaz Mahal, she wielded significant influence at court and accompanied the emperor on military campaigns. Her death in childbirth in 1631 deeply grieved Shah Jahan, who commissioned the Taj Mahal in her memory. The mausoleum, completed in 1653, stands as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and an enduring symbol of love. Mumtaz Mahal’s patronage extended to charitable works and the promotion of arts in the empire. Her legacy endures through her children, five of whom became prominent figures in the Mughal Empire.

Born in 1650 in Kassel, Charlotte Amalie was the daughter of the Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel. She married Crown Prince Christian of Denmark in 1667 and became Queen Consort upon his accession in 1670. Charlotte Amalie was known for her strong Protestant faith and support of religious refugees, including Huguenots. She established hospitals and orphanages, and patronized the arts and education at the Danish court. Widowed in 1699, she continued to influence court politics and maintained her own court at the Yellow Palace in Copenhagen. She died in 1714, leaving a legacy of compassion and cultural enrichment in Denmark.

Born in 1701 into the House of Savoy, Charles Emmanuel III ascended the Sardinian throne in 1730. He implemented administrative, legal, and military reforms to consolidate royal authority and improve efficiency. Under his rule, Sardinia engaged in the War of the Polish Succession and the War of the Austrian Succession with notable military successes. He promoted economic development by supporting mining, agriculture, and education reforms. His diplomatic skill kept Sardinia relatively stable amid the shifting alliances of 18th-century Europe. Charles Emmanuel III died in 1773, leaving a legacy as one of the Enlightened rulers of Italy.

Born in Ireland in 1718, Thomas Lewis emigrated to Virginia where he trained as a surveyor and lawyer. He participated in surveying frontier lands, laying out vast estates and shaping early American boundaries. Lewis served in the Virginia House of Burgesses, representing Augusta County and advocating for frontier settlers. He was granted thousands of acres of land for his service and helped establish settlements in the Shenandoah Valley. His legal expertise and political activity made him a key figure in colonial Virginia’s expansion. Thomas Lewis died in 1790, remembered for his contributions to land development and governance in early America.

Born in 1812, Snow pursued a career in law before entering politics in New York. He served in various legal and legislative roles, advocating for regional development and justice. Throughout his career, he was known for his commitment to civic duty and public service. Although less well-known today, his work contributed to the evolving legal frameworks of his time. He died in 1886, remembered for his dedication to the communities he served.

Born in 1822 in Point Pleasant, Ohio, Grant graduated from West Point in 1843. He served with distinction in the Mexican-American War and later returned to civilian life. During the American Civil War, he rose to command all Union armies, accepting Lee's surrender at Appomattox. Elected president in 1868, he oversaw Reconstruction and worked to protect civil rights of freed slaves. After leaving office, he wrote his memoirs before dying in 1885, securing his family's financial future.

Born in 1848 in Munich, Otto was the younger brother of King Ludwig II. He ascended the throne in 1886 but due to mental illness never ruled independently. A regency governed Bavaria throughout his reign, leaving him a ceremonial monarch. He remained unmarried and lived in seclusion until his death in 1916. His life reflects the complex dynastic and political landscape of the era.

He served in the German Army and gained prominence as commander of the Ninth Army. In 1914 he orchestrated the Siege of Antwerp, securing a crucial victory for the Central Powers. Later he was appointed Governor-General of the occupied Polish territories, overseeing administration during wartime. He navigated complex political and military challenges in occupied Poland. After the war he retired from public life and his memoirs provided insights into early 20th-century military strategy. His career exemplifies the intersection of military command and political administration during World War I.

August Koern (1900–1989) was an Estonian statesman and career diplomat. During the Soviet occupation of Estonia, he became a leading figure in the government-in-exile. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, he worked tirelessly to maintain international awareness of Estonia’s plight and secure support from Western governments. He served at Estonian diplomatic missions across Europe and North America, forging relationships that kept the idea of Estonian independence alive. His advocacy played a crucial role in preserving Estonia's legal continuity until restoration of independence in 1991. Koern’s legacy endures in the history of small nations resisting occupation.

Nikos Zachariadis (1904–1973) was a prominent Greek political figure and long-time leader of the Communist Party of Greece. He assumed the role of General Secretary in 1931 and guided the party through the Axis occupation and the Greek Civil War. Under his leadership, the EAM-ELAS resistance movement became one of the most formidable anti-fascist forces in occupied Greece. After being arrested by the Germans, he spent time in Dachau concentration camp before relocating to the Soviet Union. His hardline stance and subsequent exile shaped the trajectory of Greek politics throughout the mid-20th century. Zachariadis remains a controversial but pivotal figure in Greece’s modern history.