May 23

Kʼinich Kan Bahlam II ascended to the throne of Palenque in 684 at the age of 49. During his reign, he commissioned major architectural projects including temples and palace expansions that showcased classic Maya art and iconography. He strengthened political alliances through marriage ties and maintained trade routes that enriched the city-state. Inscriptions from his rule provide valuable insights into Maya rituals and governance. His legacy endures in the well-preserved monuments that continue to intrigue archaeologists and visitors alike.

Historical records about Perumbidugu Mutharaiyar II are limited but he is known for consolidating the Mutharaiyar dynasty’s control in the Kaveri delta region. He succeeded his predecessors in maintaining a stable administration and defending his territory from rival chieftains. Inscriptions attribute him with patronage of local temples and support for religious institutions. His reign laid foundations for later dynastic developments in southern India. Scholars study his era to understand the political landscape preceding the rise of the Chola Empire.

Philip succeeded his father Henry I at the age of eight under the regency of his mother Anne of Kiev. He expanded Capetian influence through strategic marriages and alliances. His conflict with the papacy over his contested divorce created tensions with the Church. He strengthened the monarchy’s administrative structures and helped pave the way for future Capetian growth. Despite controversies, his reign of nearly 48 years was one of the longest in medieval French history.

Born Zhao Huan, he ascended the throne in 1126 during a period of internal strife and external threats. His attempts to negotiate with the rising Jurchen forces failed to prevent the fall of Kaifeng. In the Jingkang Incident, he and his father were captured and taken north as prisoners. His reign exposed the vulnerabilities of the Song military and court politics. Although his rule was short and tragic, it marked a pivotal moment that led to the establishment of the Southern Song Dynasty.

Ascending the throne in 1146, Uijong fostered the arts and scholarship, commissioning Buddhist temples and state rituals. His court became renowned for its lavish ceremonies and poetry. However, his preference for scholarly officials over the military sowed discontent among army leaders. The military coup of 1170 led by Jeong Jung-bu forced his abdication and exile. His reign highlights the tension between civilian bureaucracy and military power in medieval Korea.

After Mongol invasions subsided, Gongmin reclaimed royal lands and purged pro-Mongol officials to restore Goryeo sovereignty. He established civil service examinations and promoted agricultural reforms to revive the economy. His support for Buddhist and Confucian scholarship fueled a cultural renaissance. Facing internal court intrigue and regional rebellions, he struggled to maintain stability. His assassination in 1374 ended a reign that attempted to balance tradition with necessary modernization.

Ashmole collected coins, medals, natural specimens, and manuscripts throughout his travels, amassing one of the 17th century’s most important private collections. He served as a Member of Parliament during the Restoration and was admitted to the Royal Society for his scholarly pursuits. His interest in alchemy and astrology led to publications that influenced early modern science and esoteric thought. In 1683 he donated his collection to the University of Oxford, establishing the world’s first university museum. His legacy endures in the Ashmolean’s vast holdings and as a pioneer of public scholarship.

Born in Kassel in 1629, William VI succeeded his father as Landgrave at the age of eight under the regency of his mother, Amalie Elisabeth. After assuming full control in 1648, he dedicated himself to rebuilding and reforming Hesse-Kassel following decades of warfare. A patron of the arts and architecture, he commissioned the restoration of fortifications, churches, and public institutions. His financial and administrative reforms helped stabilize the region's economy and promote cultural revival. In 1649, he married Hedwig Sophie of Brandenburg, strengthening dynastic ties among the German principalities. Despite his brief reign, William's governance laid foundations for his successors to continue Hesse-Kassel's recovery and growth.

Born in Berlin in 1730, he was the seventh son of King Frederick William I of Prussia and Queen Sophia Dorothea. A career soldier, Augustus Ferdinand rose to the rank of general, leading hussar regiments in key battles of the Seven Years' War. His strategic acumen and bravery earned him the Order of the Black Eagle and respect among his peers. In addition to his military career, he served as Grand Master of the Order of Saint John and patron of the arts, fostering cultural growth in his court. He married Elisabeth Louise of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel-Bevern in 1755, though the couple had no surviving children. The prince's blend of military leadership and courtly influence made him a notable figure in 18th-century Prussia, where he died in 1813.

Rómulo Díaz de la Vega was born in 1800 and rose through the ranks of the Mexican army. He played a key role in internal conflicts following the country’s independence. In December 1855 he assumed the presidency as interim leader after the Reform Revolution. His brief tenure was marked by efforts to stabilize the government and maintain order. Díaz de la Vega negotiated with various military factions and regional governors to prevent further fragmentation. After leaving office he returned to military service and continued to influence Mexican politics behind the scenes. He died in 1877, remembered as a figure who bridged military and civilian authority during a turbulent era.

Manuel Robles Pezuela was born in 1817 in Mexico City and pursued a military career before entering politics. During the Reform War he sided with the conservatives against the liberal government of Benito Juárez. In December 1858 he assumed the presidency as interim leader under questionable constitutional authority. Robles Pezuela sought to negotiate a peace settlement and restore order amid civil strife. His government faced opposition from both liberal and conservative factions. After resigning in January 1859 he lived in exile in the United States before returning to Mexico. He died in 1862, remembered as a divisive figure during the tumultuous Reform period.

Ambrose Burnside was born in 1824 in Indiana and graduated from West Point, launching a career as a U.S. Army officer. He served in the Mexican-American War and practiced engineering before rejoining the army during the Civil War. Burnside commanded the Army of the Potomac at the Battle of Fredericksburg, suffering a notable defeat. He later led Union forces to victory in the Battle of Petersburg. After the war he entered politics and was elected governor of Rhode Island in 1866. Burnside also served three terms as a U.S. Senator representing Rhode Island. His trademark sideburns gave rise to the term 'sideburns' in American English. He died in 1881, leaving a complex legacy as both soldier and statesman.