May 28

Ucha'an K'in B'alam is recorded in Maya inscriptions dating to the 8th century, though the exact city-state he ruled remains uncertain. The few surviving glyphs bearing his name suggest he participated in ceremonial rituals typical of Maya royalty. Details of his political alliances, military campaigns, and domestic policies have not survived. Historians piece together his legacy through scattered stelae and codices, highlighting the challenges of reconstructing Maya chronology. His death on May 28, 741, anchors him in the complex calendar system that defined Classic Maya history.

Born to a modest family, Kong Qian rose through the bureaucracy of the Later Liang and Later Tang to become chief financial officer. Under Emperor Zhuangzong, he centralized revenue collection and implemented strict taxation policies. His administration of state finances strengthened the imperial treasury but drew criticism for heavy levies on peasants. In 926, following a military mutiny and the emperor's death, Kong Qian was executed by rebel forces. His tenure exemplifies both the power and risks of fiscal authority in a period of dynastic turmoil.

As the eldest son of Emperor Zhuangzong of Later Tang, Li Jiji held the title Prince of Wei and was entrusted with a major expedition against the rebellious governor Meng Zhixiang in Sichuan. Despite initial successes, news of his father's assassination caused confusion among his troops. Isolated and leaderless, he chose suicide over capture after learning of the emperor's fall. His death on May 28, 926, reflects the volatility of the Five Dynasties period. Historians view his career as emblematic of princely privilege and the perils of military command during dynastic decline.

Ordained as a cleric, Robert Baldock rose to prominence as Lord Privy Seal in 1320 before his appointment as Lord Chancellor in 1323. As a close advisor to King Edward II, he played a central role in royal administration and legal affairs. Baldock was unpopular with barons due to his perceived favoritism and heavy-handed governance. During the baronial rebellion led by Thomas, Earl of Lancaster, Baldock was captured and imprisoned. He died in captivity on May 28, 1327, his fall illustrating the turbulent politics of Edward II's reign.

Born in 1291, Afonso IV ascended to the Portuguese throne following the death of his father, King Denis. Nicknamed 'the Brave', he led successful campaigns against the Kingdom of Castile and secured Portugal's borders. The king also played a pivotal role in reforming the administration of justice, establishing ordinances that improved fairness in courts. His reign experienced personal tragedy, including conflict with his son over a scandalous affair that strained dynastic relations. Afonso IV died on May 28, 1357, leaving a strengthened monarchy and a legacy of chivalry in Iberian politics.

Born in 1397, Henry IV inherited the County of Holstein-Rendsburg during a period of shifting alliances among German principalities and the Hanseatic League. He negotiated trade agreements with Baltic ports to bolster his territory's economic strength. Henry maintained cautious relations with neighboring duchies, balancing diplomacy and military readiness. His rule saw internal reforms aimed at streamlining administration and justice. He died on May 28, 1427, and his policies influenced the stability of Holstein during the late medieval period.

Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk (1561–1626), was an English nobleman and politician who held the office of Lord High Treasurer during the reign of James I. A member of the powerful Howard family, he served in various diplomatic and court positions, including Lord Chamberlain. Known for his influence at court, he managed royal finances and was a key figure in early 17th-century politics. However, his career ended controversially when he was impeached for corruption and mismanagement of funds. He was fined and briefly imprisoned before his death in 1626. His life reflects the opportunities and pitfalls of Tudor-Stuart court politics.

Henry Grey, 10th Earl of Kent (1594–1651), was an English nobleman and politician who succeeded to his title in 1639. He sat in the House of Lords and served as a privy councillor under King Charles I. A loyal royalist, he participated in political affairs during the tumultuous years leading to the English Civil War. Although his estates were impacted by the conflict, he avoided severe penalties and maintained his family’s standing. He also served in local governance in Kent and was known for his moderate approach. Grey died without male heirs in 1651, ending this line of succession.

John Trevor (1626–1672) was a Welsh politician and diplomat who held the office of Secretary of State for the Northern Department from 1668 until his death. Educated at Oxford, he rose through diplomatic service and was entrusted with managing relations with Protestant states in northern Europe. As Secretary, he oversaw foreign policy and intelligence gathering during the Restoration period. Trevor also served in the English Parliament and held various court appointments. His tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen England’s alliances and navigate complex European dynamics. He died suddenly in 1672, leaving a reputation for administrative skill and diplomatic acumen.

Juan de Ayala y Escobar (1635–1727) was a Spanish colonial official who served as Governor of Spanish Florida in the early 18th century. Born into a noble family, he managed the colony from the capital at St. Augustine, focusing on defense against rival colonial powers and pirate raids. He strengthened fortifications, negotiated with Native American tribes, and oversaw the limited resources of the province. Ayala y Escobar also implemented agricultural reforms to sustain the settlement. Despite financial challenges and external threats, he maintained relative stability in the colony. His governance contributed to the survival and development of Florida under Spanish rule until his death in 1727.

Emperor Sakuramachi (1720–1750) was the 115th emperor of Japan, ruling from 1735 until his death. His reign coincided with the stable and isolationist Edo period under the Tokugawa shogunate, which limited imperial political power. He performed important ceremonial and religious duties, ensuring the continuity of court traditions in Kyoto. Sakuramachi was a patron of the arts and supported cultural practices such as Noh theater and court poetry. His era saw minimal domestic upheaval, reflecting the broader peace of the period. He was succeeded by his son, Emperor Momozono, upon his death in 1750.

Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville (1742–1811), was a Scottish advocate and politician who held several senior offices in the British government under Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger. He served as Home Secretary, Secretary of State for War, and Treasurer of the Navy, playing a central role in shaping policy during the Napoleonic Wars. Dundas reorganized military administration, founded Melville’s War Office, and managed patronage in Scotland. He was created Viscount Melville in 1802 in recognition of his service. His career ended amid controversy over naval finances, leading to an impeachment trial from which he was acquitted. Dundas’s legacy is marked by his impact on British governance and debates over colonial abolition.