August 28

Go-Reizei (1023–1068) ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne in 1045 at age 22. During his reign, the Fujiwara regents maintained significant political power, shaping court affairs. Despite limited direct authority, he became a patron of poetry, music, and Buddhist temples. He commissioned the renovation of key shrines and encouraged literary salons in the imperial court. His reign established cultural traditions that influenced subsequent Heian-period emperors. He passed away in 1068, leaving a legacy of artistic and religious patronage.

Jean Le Maingre (1366–1421), nicknamed Boucicaut, served as a Marshal of France from 1398. He distinguished himself in the Hundred Years’ War and led expeditions against Genoa and Navarre. He authored the 'Book of the Tournament,' outlining ideals of knightly conduct. He was celebrated for his bravery, being captured and ransomed multiple times in battle. As a military leader, he refined cavalry tactics and upheld chivalric traditions across Europe. He died in 1421, remembered as a paragon of medieval knighthood.

Kanō Motonobu (1476–1559) became head of the Kano school of painting, which dominated Japanese art for centuries. He introduced a harmonious fusion of bold Chinese ink brushwork and delicate Japanese yamato-e themes. Appointed official painter to the Ashikaga shogunate in Kyoto, he created sliding screen and wall paintings for elite patrons. His workshop trained numerous artists, spreading his stylistic innovations across Japan. Motonobu’s work laid the foundations for the splendor of Momoyama and early Edo period art. He passed away in 1559, leaving a lasting legacy as one of Japan’s greatest painters.

Francisco de Sá de Miranda (1481–1558) is celebrated as a pioneer of the Portuguese Renaissance. He studied in Europe and brought back lyrical forms like the sonnet and ottava rima to his homeland. His poetry emphasized clarity, emotion, and classical themes, breaking from medieval Portuguese verse. He maintained salons that nurtured budding writers and influenced generations of poets. He also translated works by Petrarch and Virgil, enriching Portuguese literature with classical inspiration. He died in 1558, remembered as the father of modern Portuguese poetry.

Born Zhu Changluo in 1582, he ascended as Emperor Taichang in August 1620. His reign lasted only one month due to his sudden death under mysterious circumstances. He attempted to address corruption in the imperial court and sought to moderate his father’s extravagance. His unexpected demise sparked rumors of poisoning and intensified factional struggles. Despite the brevity of his rule, his son’s later reign reflected some of his moderate policies. He remains a tragic figure in Ming history, remembered for his reform efforts cut short.

John Christian of Brieg (1591–1639) inherited the Duchy of Brzeg in Silesia at a young age. He navigated the challenges of the Thirty Years’ War by fostering religious coexistence in his territories. A patron of architecture and music, he commissioned new churches and court ensembles. He promoted education by supporting local schools and the Protestant university in Wrocław. His diplomatic skills preserved Brzeg’s relative autonomy amid shifting allegiances. He died in 1639, leaving a legacy of cultural enrichment and moderate governance.

George Villiers (1592–1628) rose quickly in the royal court to become a favorite of James I. He was created Duke of Buckingham in 1623 and became the most influential minister of Charles I. His political decisions, including naval expeditions and peace negotiations, were often controversial. He was admired for his charisma but criticized for perceived corruption and favoritism. A target of public resentment, he survived assassination attempts before being killed in 1628. His death marked a turning point in Stuart politics, highlighting tensions between crown and parliament.

Marcus Zuerius van Boxhorn (1612–1653) made pioneering contributions to comparative linguistics. He suggested in 1647 that several European and Asian languages shared a common origin, anticipating Indo-European studies. He published essays on Greek dialects and the grammar of Frisian and Dutch. His proposals challenged established views and inspired later linguists such as Sir William Jones. A professor at the University of Amsterdam, he taught classical languages and rhetoric. He died in 1653, remembered as a forefather of modern language-family research.

Louise of Mecklenburg-Güstrow (1667–1721) married King Frederick IV in 1695 and became queen consort. Her reign was marked by her strict Lutheran faith and establishment of charitable institutions. She founded hospitals and schools, emphasizing care for the poor and orphaned. Despite conflicts with her husband’s favored courtiers, she maintained a respected moral authority at court. After her death, she was remembered for her compassion and dedication to social welfare. She remains a beloved figure in Danish history for her philanthropic legacy.

Elisabeth Christine of Brunswick-Wolfenbüttel (1691–1750) married Archduke Charles in 1708 and became Empress in 1711. She played a supportive role at the Habsburg court, focusing on education and ceremonial affairs. She bore the future Empress Maria Theresa, ensuring the dynasty’s succession during a critical period. A patron of music and the arts, she hosted concerts and sponsored female education initiatives. She navigated court politics with discretion, earning respect for her diplomatic tact. She died in 1750, remembered as a devoted consort and matriarch of the Habsburg lineage.

Born into the House of Welf in Brunswick-Lüneburg, Anthony Ulrich became regent for his nephew Ivan VI of Russia in 1740. He navigated the complexities of Russian court politics until Elizabeth’s coup in 1741. A cultured ruler, he translated French classics into German and supported architecture and music in his duchy. His reforms in education and administration left a lasting imprint on Brunswick. Anthony Ulrich’s engagement with Enlightenment ideas made him a distinguished figure among European nobility.

Born in New Hampshire, Stark first saw combat in the French and Indian War before joining the Continental Army. His leadership at the Battle of Bennington in 1777 proved pivotal, earning him the nickname “Hero of Bennington.” Refusing a full commission in the Continental Army, he served as a militia leader to protect his home state. Stark’s declaration “Live free or die” inspired New Hampshire’s state motto decades later. After the war, he remained active in civic affairs and was celebrated as one of America’s early wartime heroes.