June 28

Born in 751 as the son of Pepin the Short and Bertrada of Laon. After their father's death, he shared the Frankish kingdom with his brother Charlemagne. He governed Austrasia and the eastern territories of the realm. His brief rule was marked by disputes over succession and territorial control. He died unexpectedly in 771, after which Charlemagne became sole ruler. His reign played a key role in shaping the future Carolingian Empire.

Born in 1243 as the second son of Emperor Shijo and Fujiwara no Tsurako. He ascended the throne in 1246 at the age of three and reigned until his abdication in 1260. His rule took place under the influence of the powerful Hōjō regents in Kamakura. After abdicating, he served as a cloistered emperor and maintained influence over court politics. He engaged in a dynastic rivalry with his brother, Emperor Kameyama. He died in 1304, leaving a legacy of courtly intrigue and regent domination.

Born in 1444 to King John II of Cyprus and Queen Helena Palaiologina. She succeeded her father in 1458 and ruled the island kingdom during a turbulent period. Her marriage to Louis of Savoy was intended to strengthen her claim but failed to secure her throne. In 1464 she was deposed by her half-brother, James II, and exiled to Rome. Throughout her exile, she maintained her royal titles and sought support for her restoration. She died in 1487, remembered for her resilience and dynastic struggles.

Born Gian Pietro Carafa in 1476 into a noble Neapolitan family. He co-founded the Theatine order and built a reputation as a reformer and disciplinarian. Elected pope in 1555, he took the name Paul IV and pursued aggressive measures against heresy. He strengthened the Roman Inquisition and published an early index of prohibited books. His papacy was marked by conflict with secular rulers and strained relations with Spain and France. He died in 1559, leaving a controversial legacy in the Counter-Reformation.

Born in 1490 as a member of the Hohenzollern dynasty. Appointed Archbishop of Magdeburg at age 23 and later Archbishop of Mainz. Elevated to cardinal in 1518, he secured papal approval to sell indulgences. The proceeds funded his appointment as cardinal and church building projects. Martin Luther's Ninety-five Theses in 1517 were a response to Albert's indulgence campaign. He died in 1545, remembered as a key figure in the events leading to the Protestant Reformation.

Born in 1491 to King Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, Tudor dynasty founders. He ascended the English throne at age 17 and married Catherine of Aragon. His desire for a male heir led to his break with the Catholic Church in 1534. He dissolved monasteries and seized church lands, reshaping English society and religion. Henry married six times in pursuit of dynastic and political goals. He died in 1547, leaving a profound impact on monarchy, religion, and governance in England.

Born in 1503 in Florence into a noble family. He studied law and entered papal service as a diplomat. His most famous work, 'Il Galateo', codified social manners and refined conduct. He also wrote Latin poetry and engaged in literary criticism of his contemporaries. Appointed archbishop of Benevento, he combined ecclesiastical duties with literary pursuits. He died in 1556, leaving a lasting influence on European etiquette and letters.

Born in 1547, Malvezzi became a leading musician at the Florence Cathedral. He composed sacred motets, madrigals, and instrumental works for organ. His style blended traditional Renaissance polyphony with emerging Baroque elements. He collaborated with prominent poets and members of the Medici court. His music was published in several influential anthologies of the time. He died in 1599, remembered for his contributions to the evolution of early Baroque music.

Born in 1557 into one of England's most prominent aristocratic families. He succeeded as the Earl of Arundel but converted to Catholicism in a Protestant court. His faith led to charges of treason and imprisonment in the Tower of London. During his incarceration, he wrote poetry and corresponded with fellow Catholics. He died of illness in the Tower in 1595, becoming a symbol of religious persecution. He was later venerated by Catholics for his steadfastness in faith.

Born in 1560 in Calabria into a noble family. He was elected Grand Master of the Knights Hospitaller in 1636. He oversaw fortification and defense efforts of Malta against Ottoman threats. He fostered diplomatic relations with European monarchs and the papacy. Under his leadership, the order expanded its charitable and military missions. He died in 1657, commemorated for strengthening the Knights during a critical era.

Born in 1573 into an English noble family. He and his brother were involved in a notorious feud that led to their exile in France. After a royal pardon, he returned and served under the Earl of Essex in Ireland. In recognition of his loyalty and service, he was created Earl of Danby in 1626. He held various court and administrative positions until his death in 1644. His life reflects the turbulent politics and shifting allegiances of the early Stuart era.

Born in 1577 in Siegen, then part of the Spanish Netherlands. He studied art in Italy, absorbing Renaissance and classical influences. Settling in Antwerp, he became a leading figure of the Baroque movement with grand altarpieces and mythological scenes. His large workshop produced works for courts across Europe, spreading his style widely. Rubens also served as a diplomat, negotiating treaties on behalf of the Spanish Netherlands. His fusion of artistic mastery and political skill made him one of the most celebrated figures of his age.