July 21

K'an II was born in 588 and ascended to the throne of Copán in 618. During his 40-year reign, he commissioned numerous stelae and altars that celebrated royal lineage and religious practices. Under his leadership, architectural expansions included impressive temples and plazas that became hallmarks of Maya city planning. His inscriptions provide valuable insights into Maya history, religion, and governance. K'an II fostered cultural prosperity, leaving a legacy of craftsmanship and recorded hieroglyphs that scholars study to this day. He died in 658, marking the end of a golden age for Copán.

Li Guo'er was a daughter of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, born into the heart of the imperial court. She gained the favor of her mother, Empress Wei, and was granted unprecedented titles and wealth for a princess. Her close involvement in state affairs stirred resentment among other court factions and officials. Renowned for her extravagance and political maneuvering, Li Guo'er symbolized the excesses of late Tang aristocracy. In 710, she supported Empress Wei’s bid for power after Emperor Zhongzong’s death. A coup led by Princess Taiping and Li Longji ended her life and removed her family from power. Her story illustrates the intense rivalries and intrigues of the Tang imperial court.

Born into the powerful Wei clan, Empress Wei became the wife of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang. She exercised significant influence over imperial succession and court appointments. Following the emperor’s death, she acted as regent for her young daughter, Li Guo'er. Empress Wei aspired to emulate her predecessor Wu Zetian by claiming the throne herself. Her autocratic rule and scandalous alliances provoked widespread discontent. In 710, a palace coup led by Princess Taiping and Li Longji toppled her regime. Empress Wei was executed, ending her bold attempt to establish a female dynasty.

Shangguan Wan'er was born in 664 to an aristocratic family but survived a political purge in her youth. She rose to prominence as a trusted secretary and speechwriter for Empress Wu Zetian. Her poetic works combined personal expression with insight into the complexities of court life. Shangguan played a key role in drafting imperial edicts and advising on policy. Her eloquence and intelligence earned her respect from scholars and nobles alike. In 710, she sided with Empress Wei and was killed during the coup that followed Emperor Zhongzong’s death. She is remembered as one of the greatest female literati of the Tang era.

Born around 938 to the powerful Ingelger family, Geoffrey I inherited the countship in 960. Known as Greymantle for his distinctive cloak, he secured Anjou’s borders against Norman and Breton incursions. He expanded his influence through strategic marriages and alliances with neighboring lords. Geoffrey championed monastic reform, founding and supporting several abbeys in his domain. His effective rule stabilized the region and enhanced the prestige of the Angevins. He fathered Fulk III Nerra, who continued his legacy of military and political acumen. Geoffrey died on July 21, 987, leaving a stronger and more united countship.

Born in 1192, Gojong ascended the Goryeo throne in 1213 at a young age. His reign was dominated by the Mongol invasions, which began in 1231. He moved the capital to Ganghwa Island to strengthen defenses and safeguard the royal family. Gojong negotiated peace treaties with the Mongol Empire, balancing resistance with diplomacy. He supported cultural and religious institutions, particularly Buddhism, to maintain internal unity. His policies laid the foundation for Goryeo’s eventual incorporation into the Yuan dynasty. King Gojong died on July 21, 1259, after a reign of resilience and statecraft.

Born in 1364 into the powerful Percy family, Henry earned the nickname ‘Hotspur’ for his fiery temperament in battle. He distinguished himself in campaigns against the Scots and Welsh uprisings. Initially a staunch supporter of King Henry IV, he became disillusioned by political disputes and lack of royal favor. In 1403, Percy led a rebellion against the crown to address his grievances. He died on July 21 at the Battle of Shrewsbury, struck down in the heat of combat. His life and death were immortalized by Shakespeare, who portrayed him as a symbol of honor and impetuosity. Hotspur’s legacy endured in English literature and military history.

Details of Sir Walter Blount’s early life are sparse, but he emerged as a trusted knight under Henry IV. He served with distinction in campaigns against Owain Glyndŵr’s Welsh revolt. At the Battle of Shrewsbury in 1403, Blount carried the royal standard into combat. In a decisive moment, he shielded King Henry IV from harm, demonstrating extraordinary courage. Blount was killed during the battle, sacrificing himself for the monarch’s safety. His heroism became emblematic of chivalric loyalty in medieval chronicles. Sir Walter Blount’s sacrifice is remembered as a noble act of fealty to the Lancastrian king.

Born around 1378 into the Stafford family, Edmund inherited the earldom in his youth. A loyal supporter of King Henry IV, he played a key role in suppressing rebellions in Wales. He commanded troops at the Battle of Shrewsbury against the Percys and their allies. On July 21, 1403, Stafford was killed in the thick of battle while rallying his men. His death was a significant loss for the Lancastrian cause and underscored the high stakes of noble warfare. Stafford’s bravery and leadership were praised in contemporary accounts. He was succeeded by his son, Humphrey Stafford, ensuring the continuity of his lineage.

Born in 1350 to Emperor John V, Manuel II assumed the throne in 1391 amidst Ottoman threats. He secured temporary peace by negotiating with Sultan Bayezid I and later managed defensive alliances. Between 1400 and 1403, Manuel traveled to Western European courts, including Paris and London, seeking military aid. His eloquence and scholarship earned him respect among Western monarchs and scholars. At home, he patronized the arts and initiated theological writings, leaving behind important literary works. His reign extended Byzantine survival for several decades, despite diminishing territorial control. Emperor Manuel II died on July 21, 1425, remembered for his statesmanship and cultural legacy.

Antonio de Mendoza (1495–1552) was appointed the inaugural Viceroy of New Spain in 1535 and governed the colony until his death. Born into a noble Castilian family, he served at the court of Charles V and gained the monarch's trust. He established the first municipal councils, promoted education by founding the Royal and Pontifical University of Mexico, and supported missionary efforts. Mendoza implemented fiscal reforms that improved colonial revenues and oversaw the expansion of silver mining, boosting Spain's imperial wealth. His policies and administrative precedents shaped the governance of Spanish America for centuries.

James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormonde (1610–1688), was a leading royalist commander during the English Civil War and later became Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. He distinguished himself in battles such as the Battle of Edgehill and played a central role in the Restoration of Charles II. As a statesman, he negotiated delicate peace settlements and administered Irish affairs during a volatile period. Elevated to the dukedom in 1682, he balanced military duties with political leadership. His legacy endures in both Irish and English histories for his loyalty, strategic skill, and diplomatic acumen.