May 09

Julius Nepos served as Western Roman Emperor from 474 to 475 and maintained imperial claims until his death in 480. Appointed by the Eastern Roman Emperor Leo I, he briefly ruled Italy before being usurped by his magister militum Odoacer. After being deposed, Nepos fled to Dalmatia, where he continued to assert his imperial authority. Despite his limited power, he retained recognition from the Eastern Empire until his assassination. His reign marked the end of legitimate Western Roman rule in Italy and the transition to successor states. Nepos's death symbolized the final dissolution of Western imperial authority.

Osric ruled as king of Northumbria from around 718 until his death in 729. His reign falls within the period known as the Anglo-Saxon Heptarchy in what is now northern England. Historical records of his rule are scarce, and he is primarily known through the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and later sources. He succeeded King Osred I and was followed by King Ceolwulf. Osric's reign contributed to the consolidation of Northumbrian power during a formative era. His death in 729 marked a transition in Northumbrian leadership.

Shi Pu was a Tang Dynasty military governor who wielded power as a regional warlord in eastern China. He commanded forces in key prefectures, asserting semi-independent control during the dynasty's decline. His ambitions brought him into conflict with both rival commanders and the imperial court. After a prolonged siege of his stronghold at Xu Prefecture, he took his own life in 893 rather than face capture. His career reflects the tumultuous power struggles that plagued the late Tang period.

Adalgar served as Archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen from 888 until his death in 909. He continued the northern missions initiated by his predecessor Ansgar, evangelizing among Nordic and Slavic populations. His vast diocese covered parts of Scandinavia and northern Germany, presenting logistical and political challenges. Adalgar negotiated with local rulers and faced resistance from pagan communities. His leadership strengthened the church's presence in Northern Europe and laid a foundation for later missionary activities.

Wang Sitong served as a military general and governor during China’s Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. Born in 892, he rose through military ranks under the Later Tang dynasty. He governed key prefectures and led campaigns against rival states and insurgent forces. In 934, amid a rebellion against Later Tang authority, he was captured and executed. His life highlights the era’s political fragmentation and frequent warfare.

Magnus VI, also called Magnus the Law-mender, ruled Norway from 1263 until his death in 1280. He introduced the Landslov, the first comprehensive Norwegian legal code, standardizing laws across his realm. His reign focused on strengthening royal administration and reducing the power of regional nobles. Magnus maintained peaceful relations with neighboring realms through diplomacy and marriage ties. He promoted trade, notably developing Bergen into a leading North Sea port. His legal reforms had a lasting impact on Norwegian governance.

Hugh V was Duke of Burgundy from 1306 until his death in 1315. Born in 1282, he belonged to the Capetian House of Burgundy as the younger son of Duke Robert II. His rule was marked by efforts to solidify Burgundian autonomy within the French realm. He supported monastic foundations and managed feudal relations with neighboring lords. Dying childless, his passing triggered a succession that shaped the duchy’s future under his cousin Odo IV.

John Drokensford was appointed Bishop of Bath and Wells in 1309 and held the office until 1329. Prior to his episcopacy, he served in the royal chancery, earning a reputation as a skilled administrator. As bishop, he oversaw cathedral construction projects and managed diocesan affairs across Somerset and Wiltshire. Drokensford advised King Edward II on ecclesiastical matters and navigated church-state tensions. He was noted for his charitable works and support for the clergy in his diocese.

Niccolò Albergati was elevated to cardinal in 1408 and became an influential papal diplomat. Born in 1373, he served as papal legate in negotiations across Europe and represented the Pope at royal courts. He was instrumental in the Council of Constance (1414–1418), which helped end the Western Schism. Albergati was praised for his piety, diplomatic skill, and commitment to Church reform. He founded charitable institutions and supported educational initiatives until his death in 1443.

Mary of Enghien was a noblewoman who held the title of Countess of Lecce, inheriting significant lands in southern Italy. Born in 1368, she belonged to the powerful Enghien family with ties to Neapolitan royalty. Through strategic marriages, she forged alliances that strengthened her family's political standing. She managed her domains during a period of regional conflict and dynastic change. Mary's governance and lineage influenced the politics of the Kingdom of Naples until her death in 1446.

Charles de Bourbon (1523–1590) was a French cardinal from the House of Bourbon. He was appointed Archbishop of Rouen and later named cardinal by Pope Pius V. During the French Wars of Religion, the Catholic League proclaimed him as a rival king to Henry of Navarre. Despite his royal claim, he never effectively ruled and spent his later years in captivity. His life exemplified the intertwining of religious and political power in 16th-century France.

William Bradford (1590–1657) was a leading figure among the Pilgrims who settled at Plymouth. He served five terms as governor of the colony, guiding its growth and governance. Bradford was a signatory of the Mayflower Compact and documented colonial life in his work "Of Plymouth Plantation". Under his leadership, Plymouth navigated challenges of famine, disease, and relations with Native Americans. His writings provide a detailed firsthand account of early colonial America.