April 28

Artabanus IV, also known as Artabanus V by some sources, was the last great king of the Parthian Empire. He ascended to the throne in 216 following the death of his father Vologases V. His reign was marked by continuous conflict with the rising Sasanian dynasty. Despite his efforts to resist the Sasanian expansion, he was defeated in 224 at the Battle of Hormozdgan. His defeat led to the fall of the Parthian Empire and the rise of the Sasanian dynasty under Ardashir I. Artabanus IV's struggle symbolizes the end of an era in Iranian history.

Jawhar as-Siqilli was a prominent Fatimid commander and regent, serving the Caliphate during its foundational years. Born in Sicily, he rose through the ranks to become a trusted general of Caliph al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah. In 969, he led the Fatimid army into Egypt, capturing Fustat and founding Cairo. As the first governor of the newly founded city, he oversaw its early administrative and architectural development. Jawhar's leadership cemented Fatimid control over Egypt and laid the groundwork for the dynasty's golden age. His strategic vision and statesmanship had a lasting impact on the region's political landscape.

Conrad of Montferrat was a 12th-century nobleman who rose to prominence during the Third Crusade. Originally lord of Montferrat in Italy, he traveled to the Holy Land and distinguished himself in the defense of Tyre against Saladin. His strategic acumen earned him the support of Crusader barons, leading to his election as King of Jerusalem in 1192. Despite his short reign, he negotiated treaties securing important coastal cities. His sudden assassination in 1192 remains shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Conrad's legacy is that of a capable commander and shrewd statesman whose actions influenced the Crusader states.

Rhys ap Gruffydd, known as The Lord Rhys, ruled the kingdom of Deheubarth in southwestern Wales from 1155 until his death in 1197. Under his leadership, he consolidated Welsh territories and maintained a delicate balance with the Angevin kings of England. He promoted Welsh culture and patronized the Eisteddfod, an early festival of poetry and music. His diplomatic skill allowed his realm to remain relatively peaceful amid regional unrest. Renowned for his chivalry and statecraft, he became a symbol of Welsh national identity. His reign laid the foundation for the future rise of Llywelyn the Great.

Shajar al-Durr rose from slave origins to become the powerful wife of the Ayyubid Sultan As-Salih Ayyub. In 1249, after her husband's death, she concealed his passing to maintain stability during the Seventh Crusade, later revealing his death to secure her position as Sultana. Her rule marked the end of the Ayyubid dynasty and the beginning of the Mamluk era. Despite facing strong opposition from the Abbasid Caliphate and local elites, she protected Egypt from external threats and managed state affairs. Her dramatic rise and tragic fall highlight the complexities of medieval politics and gender roles. Shajar al-Durr remains a unique figure as the only female Sultan of Egypt.

Henry Percy, 4th Earl of Northumberland (1449–1489), was an English nobleman and politician. He inherited his title at a young age and became a leading magnate in northern England. Percy played a crucial role in defending the Scottish border and maintaining royal authority during the Wars of the Roses. A loyal supporter of King Henry VII, he was appointed Warden of the Marches. In May 1489, he was killed by an angry mob during the Yorkshire Rebellion, marking a violent end to his career. He was succeeded by his brother, Thomas Percy.

Francisco de Lucena (1578–1643) was a leading statesman in Portugal during the period of the Iberian Union. As Secretary of State, he managed diplomatic relations and internal governance under King Philip III of Portugal. Lucena implemented reforms in taxation and royal administration to stabilize the kingdom's finances. Despite his achievements, he fell out of favor amid court intrigues and was imprisoned by the Inquisition. He died in custody in Madrid, marking a turbulent end to his career.

Thomas Pitt (1653–1726), nicknamed 'Diamond' Pitt, acquired vast wealth through trade with the East India Company and the famed Regent Diamond. As President of Madras, he oversaw trade expansion and fortifications in the early 18th century. Returning to England, Pitt became a Member of Parliament and invested his fortune in land and politics. His marriage alliances and descendants, including William Pitt the Elder, cemented his family's influence in British politics. Despite controversies over his commercial practices, Pitt's legacy endures through his contributions to colonial trade and governance.

Magnus Julius De la Gardie (1668–1741) held prominent roles as a military commander and statesman in early 18th-century Sweden. He fought in the Great Northern War under King Charles XII, achieving distinction in several battles. After his military career, De la Gardie entered politics, serving in high offices under King Frederick I. A member of the powerful De la Gardie family, he influenced domestic policy and foreign affairs. He managed administrative reforms and helped navigate Sweden through post-war challenges. His dual legacy as a soldier and political leader highlights the era's blend of martial and courtly power.

Johann Friedrich Struensee (1737–1772) began his career as a doctor before becoming the personal physician to Denmark's mentally ill King Christian VII. Leveraging his influence, he instituted sweeping Enlightenment-inspired reforms, including freedom of the press, judicial overhaul, and educational improvements. Struensee's radical agenda faced opposition from conservative nobles and the queen, culminating in a coup d'état. Arrested and tried for his actions and relationship with the queen, he was executed in 1772. His brief tenure nonetheless left a lasting impact on Danish governance and liberal thought. Struensee is remembered as both a reformer and a tragic figure in European history.

Cornelius Harnett (1723–1781) was a leading Patriot in colonial North Carolina during the American Revolution. A successful merchant and large landowner, he used his influence to oppose British policies and organize local resistance. Harnett chaired the North Carolina Committee of Safety and represented his colony in the Continental Congress in 1777. He helped draft revolutionary ordinances and supported the establishment of independent state government. Although he briefly suffered illness in Europe, he returned home to continue his public service. Harnett died before witnessing American independence, but his efforts contributed significantly to the Patriot movement.

Born in 1835 at Lee Hall in Virginia, Fitzhugh Lee was a cavalry officer renowned for his leadership during the American Civil War. A nephew of General Robert E. Lee, he commanded brigades in key battles such as Gettysburg and the Wilderness. After the war, Lee served in the U.S. Army during the Spanish-American War, reaching the rank of major general. Transitioning to politics, he was elected Governor of Virginia in 1885, focusing on economic development and veterans' affairs. His administration worked to modernize the state's infrastructure and reconcile former Union and Confederate sympathizers. Fitzhugh Lee also represented his state as a U.S. diplomat in Mexico before his death in 1905.