August 15

Born in 1013 to the influential Fujiwara family, Teishi became empress consort of Emperor Go-Suzaku. She was known for her cultural patronage and refined court life. Her status was challenged by political rivalries with the faction of Empress Shoshi. After the emperor's death, she took Buddhist vows and remained a respected figure in the Heian court. Her life reflects the intricate power dynamics of 11th-century Japan.

Born in 1171, Alfonso IX ascended to the throne at age 17 and led his kingdom during the Reconquista. He established the Cortes of León, one of Europe's earliest parliamentary bodies. His marriage alliances and conflicts shaped Iberian politics. He founded the University of Salamanca, which became a leading center of learning. Despite disputes with the Papacy over his marriage, his reign left a lasting legacy in education and governance.

Born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in Lisbon in 1195, he joined the Franciscans and became renowned for his eloquent sermons. He traveled across Italy and France, defending the faith and teaching theology. His profound knowledge led to his recognition as a Doctor of the Church. He was canonized in 1232, less than a year after his death in 1231. He is widely venerated for his miracles and for being the patron saint of lost objects.

Born in 1385 into the influential de Vere family, Richard inherited the earldom at a young age. He led English forces in France under King Henry V, playing a key role in campaigns such as the siege of Harfleur. He held the office of Lord Great Chamberlain and was a trusted royal adviser. Despite the challenges of war and court politics, he maintained his family's prominence. He died in 1417, remembered for his martial prowess.

Born in Florence in 1432, Luigi Pulci was a prominent literary figure in Lorenzo de' Medici's circle. His masterpiece Morgante is a burlesque epic blending chivalric romance with humorous satire. He also wrote political satires and shorter poetic works. Pulci's writings influenced later Renaissance literature by challenging traditional epic forms. He died in 1484, leaving behind a colorful legacy in Italian letters.

Born in 1455 as the son of Duke Louis IX, George ruled Bavaria-Landshut for over two decades. His marriage to Hedwig Jagiellon strengthened ties with Central Europe. He patronized the arts and architecture, contributing to the Gothic and early Renaissance styles in his duchy. His reign saw both internal reforms and succession conflicts. He died in 1503, leading to the Landshut War of Succession.

Born in 1507, George III succeeded his father Ernest I as ruler of the principality of Anhalt-Dessau. He managed territorial administration and supported the spread of Lutheran reforms in his lands. He founded schools and encouraged education for his subjects. His governance reflected the broader changes of the Protestant Reformation. He died in 1553, passing the principality to his sons.

Born around 1575 on the island of Pag, Bartol Kašić joined the Jesuit order and devoted his life to education and language study. He wrote the earliest known grammar of Croatian, laying the foundation for the language's standardization. He also compiled dictionaries and translated religious texts to make them accessible to Slavic speakers. Kašić traveled extensively across Europe to support his scholarly work. He died in 1650, remembered as a pioneer of Slavic linguistics.

Born in 1589 into the influential Báthory family, Gabriel became prince with the backing of the Polish crown. His rule was marked by military campaigns against the Ottoman Empire and internal noble revolts. He attempted to strengthen central authority, clashing with Transylvanian nobles. His shifting alliances between the Ottomans and the Habsburgs reflected the complex politics of the region. He was assassinated in 1613, ending his controversial reign.

Born in 1607, Herman IV assumed the title of Landgrave of Hesse-Rotenburg in a period marked by the Thirty Years' War. He navigated the challenges of war-torn Central Europe, balancing alliances and managing war damages. He initiated local administrative reforms and supported the rebuilding of towns. His leadership reflected efforts to maintain stability amid religious and political conflicts. He died in 1658, leaving his lands to his successor.

Henry Howard was born into one of England's most prestigious aristocratic families in 1608. He succeeded his father as the 22nd Earl of Arundel and held key court offices under King Charles I. A devoted patron of the arts, he amassed a notable collection of paintings and sculptures. During the English Civil War, he navigated the complex political landscape as a Royalist supporter. His efforts helped to preserve his family's influence during a period of national strife. He died in 1652, leaving a legacy of cultural patronage.

Born in Paris in 1613, Gilles Ménage trained in law and became an advocate at the Parlement of Paris. He developed a passion for classical languages and emerged as a leading philologist, publishing critical commentaries on Latin and Greek texts that influenced generations of scholars. Ménage hosted literary salons in Paris that brought together the era's most prominent thinkers, fostering intellectual debate. His meticulous research laid foundations for modern comparative linguistics and textual criticism. Throughout his life, he balanced legal practice with scholarly pursuits. He died in 1692, remembered as one of France's pioneering humanists.