May 19

He was born around 1058 into the powerful dynasty of Blois and Champagne. He succeeded his father as Count of Blois and Chartres in the late 11th century. In 1096, he joined the First Crusade but infamously retreated during the Siege of Antioch. He returned to France, reconciled with the Church, and continued to rule his territories. He died at the Battle of Ramla on May 19, 1102, while defending his holdings in the Holy Land. His actions during the Crusade made him both a controversial and memorable figure of medieval Europe.

He was born in 1053 to the ruling dynasty of Kievan Rus and learned statecraft under his father, Vsevolod I. He served as a military commander and led campaigns against nomadic tribes, securing the southern borders. In 1113, he became Grand Duke of Kyiv during a time of internal strife and unrest. He is credited with restoring order, implementing legal reforms known as the 'Instruction of Vladimir Monomakh,' and supporting the Orthodox Church. He authored the 'Instruction,' a moral and practical guide for his sons that became an important literary work. He died on May 19, 1125, leaving a legacy as one of the most respected rulers of Kievan Rus.

He was born around 1175 into the House of Welf as the son of Henry the Lion. He was elected King of the Romans in 1198, entering a protracted dispute with Philip of Swabia. In 1209, he was crowned Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Innocent III, marking a brief alliance with Rome. His rule deteriorated after military defeats and excommunication, weakening imperial authority. He spent his final years in exile and died on May 19, 1218, leaving the empire overshadowed by internal strife. His contested reign reflected the complex power struggles of medieval Europe.

He was born in 1276 as the third son of King Philip III of France. In 1307, he was created Count of Évreux, establishing a cadet branch of the Capetian dynasty. He skillfully managed his territories in Normandy and worked to strengthen royal authority. He participated in diplomatic missions and maintained alliances that shaped French politics. He died on May 19, 1319, leaving successors who continued the Évreux line's prominence. His legacy lies in founding a dynasty that played a key role in the Hundred Years' War.

Born in 1350, Dmitry IV, better known as Dmitry Donskoy, was the Grand Prince of Moscow from 1359 until his death in 1389. He is renowned for his decisive victory against the Mongol-Tatar forces at the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380, which marked the beginning of the decline of the Golden Horde's influence over the Rus'. Dmitry implemented administrative reforms that strengthened Moscow's position among the Rus' principalities. He consolidated power through strategic alliances and marriages, expanding his domains and influence. His leadership laid the groundwork for the eventual unification of Russia under Moscow's rule. Dmitry is remembered as a national hero and a pivotal figure in Russian history.

Born in 1350, John I succeeded his father, Peter IV, as King of Aragon in 1387. Nicknamed 'the Hunter', he was an avid sportsman who organized grand hunting expeditions that became legendary at his court. Despite his personal interests, his reign faced challenges including conflicts with the nobility and financial difficulties. He supported cultural and architectural projects, fostering the arts and education in his realms. John's lack of a male heir precipitated a succession crisis that shaped the future of the Crown of Aragon. He died in 1396, and his rule is remembered for its cultural patronage and charismatic leadership.

Born in 1464, Go-Kashiwabara ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 1500 and ruled until his death in 1526. His reign occurred during the early Muromachi period, a time marked by political fragmentation and the rise of powerful regional daimyo. Though the emperor's political influence was largely ceremonial, he maintained court traditions and patronized the arts. Go-Kashiwabara faced financial difficulties in sustaining court ceremonies and rituals, leading to reforms in court finances. He commissioned artisans and contributed to the cultural development of classical Japanese court life. His era name, Fukakusa, continues to be studied by historians exploring the complexities of medieval Japan.

Anne Boleyn's exact birth date is uncertain, but she rose to prominence at the court of King Henry VIII in the 1520s. She was instrumental in Henry's break with the Roman Catholic Church, which led to the English Reformation. Anne became Queen of England in 1533 and was celebrated for her intelligence, wit, and cultural patronage. Her failure to produce a male heir strained her marriage to Henry VIII and fueled court intrigues. Accused of adultery, treason, and incest, she was executed at the Tower of London on May 19, 1536. Anne's life and death have inspired countless works of art, literature, and historical debate, making her one of the most famous queens in history.

Born in 1542 as the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amer, she married Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1562. Known to Europeans as Mariam-uz-Zamani or Harka Bai, she held the title of Empress and influenced court politics. She managed royal finances and patronized textile workshops, contributing to the empire's economic strength. Mariam-uz-Zamani maintained diplomatic relations with foreign traders, including the Portuguese East India Company. As the mother of Emperor Jahangir, she played a key role in courtly affairs and succession. She died in 1623, remembered for her political acumen and cultural patronage.

Charles Montagu, 1st Earl of Halifax, was born in 1661 near Northampton, England. He gained fame as a wit and author of satirical poems. In 1694, as Chancellor of the Exchequer, he helped establish the Bank of England. Montagu served in multiple high offices, including First Lord of the Treasury and President of the Privy Council. He was a leading figure in William III's government, forging financial and political reforms. His legacy includes modernizing England's fiscal system and supporting literary circles of the Restoration.

Button Gwinnett was born in 1735 in Gloucestershire, England and emigrated to the American colonies. He became a merchant and entered Georgia politics, rising to become president of the Georgia Executive Council. In 1776, he was one of the three Georgians who signed the United States Declaration of Independence. Gwinnett's political career ended abruptly after a fatal duel with Lachlan McIntosh in 1777. His death made his signature one of the rarest and most valuable among the Declaration's signatories. Gwinnett's legacy endures in the numerous counties and cities named in his honor across the United States.

Josiah Bartlett was born in 1729 in Amesbury, Massachusetts, and established himself as a physician in Kingston, New Hampshire. He represented New Hampshire in the Continental Congress from 1775 to 1776. Bartlett was among the second signers of the United States Declaration of Independence. After the Revolution, he served as Chief Justice of the New Hampshire Superior Court. He was elected as the 4th Governor of New Hampshire, holding office from 1792 until his death. Bartlett's medical background and political service made him a respected leader in his state and the new nation.