May 16

Born Sima Yan in 236, he ascended the throne in 266 and proclaimed himself emperor in 280. Under his rule, the Jin dynasty conquered Eastern Wu in 280, ending centuries of division. He restructured the government, centralized power, and implemented Confucianism as state doctrine. His tenure saw major infrastructure projects, including fortifications and canals. Despite later internal strife after his death, his reign symbolizes the first reunification of China since the Han dynasty. He died in 290, leaving a legacy as a unifier of China.

He was a member of the aristocratic elite, serving as a regional leader during the tumultuous final years of the Tang dynasty. While details of his life remain sparse, his status reflects the complex power structures of late imperial China. The waning Tang era saw noble families like his vying for influence amidst internal rebellions and external pressures. He likely managed his family's estates and upheld traditional Confucian values until his passing in 895.

Meng Hanqiong rose through the palace hierarchy to become one of the most powerful eunuch officials during the Later Tang dynasty. He influenced imperial decisions, acting as a key advisor to successive emperors. His role exemplified the prominent place eunuchs held in the political life of the period. Historical records credit him with managing court intrigues and ministerial appointments. He died in 934, leaving behind a complex legacy shaped by both authority and controversy.

Born in 953 into the powerful Fujiwara clan, Michitaka rose to the position of sesshō (regent) in 990. In this role, he effectively governed on behalf of the child Emperor Ichijō, consolidating Fujiwara dominance over the imperial court. He implemented court reforms and patronized Shinto and Buddhist institutions. His leadership paved the way for his son, Fujiwara no Michinaga, to further elevate the family's status. Michitaka’s death in 995 marked the end of a significant chapter in Heian politics, but his policies set lasting precedents for regency in Japan.

Lambert of Arras served as bishop in the region of Arras, overseeing ecclesiastical affairs during a time of reform within the Catholic Church. He was responsible for pastoral duties, clergy discipline, and the administration of his diocese. His tenure coincided with broader Church efforts to address simony and enforce clerical celibacy. Historical records note his contributions to strengthening local monastic communities. He died in 1115, remembered for his dedication to ecclesiastical governance.

John Komnenos Vatatzes was a prominent general during the reign of the Komnenian dynasty in Byzantium. He led imperial forces in key engagements against the Normans and Seljuk Turks, demonstrating strategic skill on the battlefield. A member of the extended imperial family, he also held significant civil authority in frontier provinces. His military campaigns contributed to the stabilization of Byzantine borders. He died in 1182, leaving a record as one of the era's notable commanders.

Simon Stock was a 13th-century Carmelite friar who served as the order's prior general, guiding its growth in England and France. According to tradition, he received a vision of the Virgin Mary, who gave him the Brown Scapular as a sign of protection. This event popularized the scapular devotion, which remains central to Carmelite spirituality today. He was celebrated for his piety, administrative leadership, and commitment to monastic reform. Simon Stock died in 1265 and was later canonized for his enduring influence on Christian devotional practices.

Liu Bowen, born in 1311, was a key advisor to Zhu Yuanzhang, the founder of the Ming dynasty. He crafted military strategies that helped unify China and secure the new dynasty's power. Renowned for his literary talent, he composed poetry and prose that reflected both scholarly depth and political insight. His works include commentaries on the I Ching and other classics, influencing Chinese thought for centuries. Liu Bowen's blend of martial acumen and literary skill has made him a legendary figure in Chinese history. He died in 1375, leaving a legacy as both a statesman and a cultural icon.

Gian Maria Visconti succeeded his father as Duke of Milan in 1402 at the age of 14, inheriting a major Italian power. His reign was overshadowed by court intrigues and the ambitions of rival condottieri. The young duke struggled to assert authority amid factional disputes among the Milanese nobility. In 1412, at the age of 24, he was assassinated, bringing an abrupt end to his turbulent rule. His death paved the way for the accession of his cousin Filippo Maria Visconti, who would oversee Milan's expansion.

Jan Tarnowski, born in 1488, emerged as one of the most respected military leaders of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. Serving as Grand Crown Hetman, he commanded royal armies in campaigns against the Tatars and Ottoman forces. His experiences on the battlefield informed his writing of 'Consilia militaris', an influential treatise on warfare and tactics. Beyond his martial achievements, he served as a voivode and held key court positions, strengthening his influence in the royal council. Tarnowski's legacy endures in Polish history as both a strategist and statesman. He died in 1561, leaving a lasting impact on military thought in Central Europe.

William Adams (1564-1620) was an English sailor and navigator who became one of the first Western samurai in Japan. He arrived in Japan in 1600 aboard the Dutch ship De Liefde and caught the attention of shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Granted the rank of hatamoto and given the Japanese name Miura Anjin (Pilot of Miura), he served as a diplomatic advisor and shipbuilder. Adams introduced Western shipbuilding and navigational techniques to the shogunate, influencing Japan's maritime development. Despite offers to return to Europe, he remained in Japan until his death in Hirado in 1620.

Andrew Bobola (1591-1657) was a Polish Jesuit priest and missionary dedicated to serving Christian communities across the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Born in Maurzyce, he entered the Society of Jesus at age 18 and devoted his life to pastoral work and conversion efforts. During the Khmelnytsky Uprising, Bobola was captured by Cossack forces and subjected to brutal torture before dying a martyr's death on May 16, 1657. His unwavering faith under persecution led to his beatification in 1853 and canonization in 1938 by Pope Pius XI. Bobola's relics are enshrined in Warsaw, and he is venerated as the patron saint of compassion and steadfast belief.