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 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 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 1582 into the distinguished Fiennes family. A committed Puritan, he opposed King Charles I’s policies on religious and parliamentary grounds. He was a founding member of the Providence Island Company, reflecting his colonial interests. During the Bishops’ Wars and Civil Wars, he played a key parliamentary role and raised troops for the Parliamentarian cause. Elevated to Viscount Saye and Sele in 1624, he became a respected voice for constitutional limits on royal power. His writings and correspondence offer insight into the turbulent politics of 17th-century England. He died in 1662, leaving a legacy as a principled advocate for parliamentary rights.

Born in 1641 into a minor French noble family. In 1665, she married John III Sobieski, who would become King of Poland and Grand Duke of Lithuania. Known as Marysieńka, she was admired for her beauty, intelligence, and diplomatic skill. She played an active role in court politics, advising her husband during the wars against the Ottoman Empire. Her patronage extended to artists, architects, and religious foundations throughout Poland. After the king’s death, she managed her estates and continued to influence Polish cultural life until her death in 1716. Her life exemplifies the power and agency of a queen consort in 17th-century Europe.

Born in 1653 in Aurangabad, India, as the eldest son of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He was appointed governor of Berar and the Deccan, gaining a reputation for administrative skill and leniency. Upon Aurangzeb’s death, he declared himself emperor on June 28, 1707, at Bidar. His reign lasted only a few months as he was defeated by his younger brother, Jahandar Shah, at the Battle of Jajau. Azam Shah was noted for his scholarly interests and patronage of poets and religious scholars. His short-lived rule marked the beginning of succession disputes that would weaken the Mughal Empire. He was killed in battle later in 1707, the same year he became emperor.

Born in 1719 into the noble Choiseul family in Lorraine, France. He served with distinction in the War of the Austrian Succession and was captured at Velletri. After a period of exile, he returned to royal favor and in 1758 became Minister of Foreign Affairs. Choiseul orchestrated the Diplomatic Revolution, allying France with Austria against Prussia. Later, as Minister of War and Navy, he embarked on reforms to modernize France’s armed forces. His policies strengthened France’s position in Europe and fostered colonial expansion. Falling from power in 1770, he retired but left a legacy of administrative and military reform.

William Hooper was an American physician, lawyer, and politician best known as one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence representing North Carolina. He studied medicine in Boston before establishing his practice in Wilmington. Hooper served in the Continental Congress from 1776 to 1777 and was a passionate advocate for American independence. After returning home, he continued his legal career and contributed to early state governance. His efforts helped shape the foundational institutions of the United States and his legacy endures as a key figure in American history.

Born in 1883, Laval began his career as a soldier before entering politics and joining the Radical Party. He held multiple ministerial positions and served as Prime Minister of France from 1931 to 1932 and again in 1935. During World War II, Laval became a leading figure in the Vichy regime, collaborating with Nazi Germany. Following the liberation of France, he was arrested, tried for treason, and executed in 1945. His legacy remains one of the most controversial in French political history.

Born in 1884, Sankoh studied in the United Kingdom before returning to Sierra Leone to work in banking. He became an influential political figure, founding organizations that advocated for self-government and educational reform. Sankoh's efforts helped lay the groundwork for Sierra Leone's push toward independence. He was also instrumental in developing the country's financial institutions and policies. He passed away in 1964, remembered as a key architect of Sierra Leonean nationalism.