May 04

Herman II succeeded his father as Duke of Swabia in 997. He belonged to the influential Ottonian dynasty of medieval Germany. During his reign, he sought to expand ducal authority within the Holy Roman Empire. He maintained alliances with other German nobles to secure his position. In 1003, he died suddenly under mysterious circumstances while attending the royal court. His death marked the end of an ambitious but short-lived ducal tenure.

Born in 1331, Salutati became Chancellor of Florence in 1375. He championed the study of classical literature and civic humanism. His extensive correspondence with scholars across Europe enriched Renaissance thought. Salutati reformed the Florentine chancery, improving diplomatic practices. He mentored figures like Leonardo Bruni, shaping the intellectual elite. His writings and patronage laid groundwork for later humanist scholars.

Born around 1390, Engelbrektsson emerged as a leader of miners and peasants in Bergslagen. In 1434, he spearheaded the Engelbrekt rebellion protesting heavy taxation and foreign rule. His movement forced King Eric to grant reforms and convene a Swedish Riksdag. Though briefly appointed Captain of the Realm, internal conflicts weakened his position. In 1436, he was assassinated by political rivals, ending his crusade for Swedish self-rule. His legacy endures as a symbol of popular resistance and national identity.

Born in 1453 to King Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou, Edward was Prince of Wales from infancy. He became a central figure in the Wars of the Roses between Lancaster and York. At age 18, he commanded Lancastrian forces at the Battle of Tewkesbury in 1471. Edward was killed during the battle, marking the end of Lancastrian hopes. His death made him the only heir apparent in English history to fall in combat. His tragic fate underscores the brutality of dynastic conflict in 15th-century England.

Born in 1457 into the powerful Neville family, George Neville was the son of the Earl of Salisbury. He served as Bishop of Exeter and Archdeacon of Northampton in his youth. In 1470, he was created Duke of Bedford by King Edward IV, though he never exercised power. Neville's ducal title was revoked in 1478 during political upheaval. He lived the remainder of his life out of public affairs, dying in 1483. His fleeting rise and fall reflect the turbulent politics of the Wars of the Roses.

Born in 1438, Husayn Mirza Bayqara became ruler of Herat in 1469. He brought stability to his realm after years of dynastic strife. Under his patronage, Herat flourished as a center of Persian literature and miniature painting. He supported poets like Jami and scholars in building madrasas. Bayqara's court attracted artists from across the Timurid Empire. His reign marked one of the last great flowerings of Timurid culture before the region's decline.

Born in 1492 as the son of Piero de' Medici, Lorenzo was granted the duchy of Urbino in 1516. His rule was largely ceremonial, with real power held by the papacy under his cousin Leo X. Despite this, he maintained Medici influence in central Italy through diplomatic alliances. Lorenzo's tenure saw the continuation of Medici patronage of the arts and architecture. In 1519, he died from wounds sustained in conflicts over control of the duchy. His short reign reflected the shifting fortunes of Italian states during the Renaissance.

Born around 1675, Thornhill became one of England's leading Baroque artists, receiving royal commissions from Queen Anne and George I. He famously decorated the interior of St Paul's Cathedral with a series of allegorical murals that celebrated British victories. His work at the Greenwich Hospital and Hampton Court Palace showcased his mastery of large-scale public decoration. Knighted in 1720, he also served as Serjeant Painter to the King, blending artistic skill with courtly influence. In addition to his artistic achievements, Thornhill sat in Parliament, reflecting his dual interests in art and political life.

Born in London in 1686, Budgell was a close associate of Joseph Addison and Richard Steele. He contributed numerous essays to The Spectator, where his wit and moral reflections won widespread readership. Budgell also authored poetry and translations, establishing himself as a versatile literary figure. In 1715, he entered politics, unsuccessfully contesting a parliamentary seat, which led to financial difficulties. His later life was marked by personal tragedy and scandal, culminating in his untimely death in 1737.

Born into the ducal family of Brunswick in 1714, Anthony Ulrich became a prominent figure at the Prussian court. He married Princess Elisabeth Christine, aligning the duchy with the Hohenzollerns of Prussia. Ulrich was known for his intellectual pursuits, corresponding with leading philosophers like Voltaire. He enacted reforms in education and the arts, sponsoring translations of classical works and collecting rare books. As regent, he managed state affairs with an enlightened approach, leaving a legacy of cultural advancement upon his death in 1774.

Born in Maryland in 1718, Tilghman emerged as a leading voice in colonial politics and law. He served in the Maryland Assembly and played a key role in organizing resistance to British taxation. As a delegate to the Continental Congress, he signed the Articles of Confederation, laying the foundation for US government. Tilghman’s leadership during critical debates showcased his commitment to American independence. He retired from public life in 1783 but remained influential through his writings until his death in 1790.

Born circa 1750, Tipu Sultan succeeded his father Haider Ali as ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore. He modernized his army with innovative rocketry and European-style tactics, challenging British forces. Tipu forged alliances with the French and Ottomans in an effort to preserve Mysore's sovereignty. Known for his administrative reforms, he promoted irrigation projects and silk cultivation. He died in 1799 defending his capital at the Siege of Seringapatam, cementing his legacy as a warrior king.