September 01

Born in 948 as Yelü Xian, he ascended the throne in 969 following the death of his father. During his reign, he strengthened central authority, expanded trade routes, and actively patronized Buddhism. He skilfully managed relations with the Song Dynasty and nomadic tribes along the northern frontier. Under his leadership, the Liao Dynasty experienced cultural flourishing and economic prosperity before his passing in 982.

Born in 1288 into the Piast dynasty, Elizabeth Richeza was the daughter of King Przemysł II of Poland. She married King Wenceslaus II of Bohemia at a young age and later wed Rudolf of Habsburg. Throughout her life, she navigated dynastic politics, served briefly as regent, and maintained close ties with the papal court. Renowned for her patronage of religious institutions and the arts, she left a lasting mark on Central European history before her death in 1335.

Born in 1341, Frederick III ascended the Sicilian throne as a minor under the regency of his mother, Queen Elisabeth. His reign was marked by ongoing conflicts with the Angevin dynasty and challenges from powerful island barons. Despite his moniker, he pursued diplomatic marriages and sought to stabilize his realm. His rule saw both military skirmishes and efforts at legal reform until his death in 1377.

Born into the cadet branch of the Bourbon family, Henri succeeded his father as Prince of Condé in 1612. As a devout Huguenot, he navigated the religious tensions of the French court under Louis XIII. He led Protestant forces in several regional conflicts and sought to preserve his family's influence against the crown. Despite periods of suspicion and conflict with the monarchy, he remained a key player in aristocratic politics. His leadership and resilience shaped the course of France's internal struggles until his death in 1646.

Nicholas Slanning was elected to the House of Commons as MP for Plympton Erle in 1628. A steadfast Royalist, he raised troops for King Charles I at the outbreak of the Civil War. He served as a colonel and took part in key engagements in the West Country. Slanning's courage made him respected among his peers, though he faced setbacks in battle. He was killed in action during the siege of Plymouth in 1643.

William IV was the first hereditary stadtholder of all seven United Provinces of the Netherlands. He assumed office at a young age and worked to strengthen the influence of the House of Orange. His reign saw increased centralization of power and reforms in the Dutch military. William's diplomatic efforts helped maintain stability during a period of European conflict. Though his rule was brief, his establishment of hereditary succession shaped the future of the Dutch state.

Born in 1799 into a Hungarian noble family, Gyulay entered the Austrian army at a young age. He quickly rose through the ranks as a skilled cavalry officer. During the 1848 revolutions, he commanded Austrian troops in Lombardy-Venetia, playing a key role in suppressing uprisings. He served as Viceroy of Lombardy-Venetia and later as Austria's Minister of War, initiating important military reforms. After the Austro-Sardinian War of 1859, he retired to Vienna, where he spent his remaining years advising on army strategy until his death in 1868.

Born in Cartago in 1818, Castro Madriz studied law and quickly became a prominent jurist. He advocated liberal reforms, including press freedom and public education, shaping Costa Rica’s legal framework. Elected in 1847 as the nation’s first constitutional president, he founded the University of Santo Tomás. Although his presidency ended in 1849, his commitment to democracy and civic institutions endured. He continued serving in various public roles until his death in 1892, leaving a lasting legacy as a nation builder.

Born in 1867 into a prominent brewing family in Burton-on-Trent, England. Elected to the House of Commons as a Conservative MP, he represented his constituency for many years. A passionate yachtsman, he competed in sailing events and promoted maritime interests. In recognition of his public service, he was created the 1st Baron Gretton in 1944. He remained active in politics and community affairs until his death in 1947.

Born in 1868 in Montreal, Quebec, into a family with deep political roots. Elected to the Canadian House of Commons at the age of 24, becoming one of the youngest MPs in the country. A vocal critic of imperialism, he opposed Canada’s participation in foreign conflicts and conscription during World War I. In 1910, he founded the newspaper Le Devoir to promote French-Canadian culture, autonomy, and social justice. He continued to write, lecture, and influence public debate until his death in 1952.

Princess Alexandra was born into European royalty as the granddaughter of Queen Victoria. She married Ernst II, Prince of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, strengthening dynastic ties between Britain and Germany. Alexandra devoted much of her life to charitable work, supporting hospitals and social welfare initiatives. Known for her elegance and sense of duty, she became a beloved figure in royal circles. Her life spanned a period of great change, witnessing the decline of monarchies in post-war Europe.

Born in 1892 into the prominent Saltonstall family of Massachusetts, Leverett Saltonstall served as a lieutenant in World War I. Elected the 55th Governor of Massachusetts (1939–1945), he implemented effective New Deal-era programs and guided the state through wartime challenges. After two terms, he won a seat in the U.S. Senate, serving from 1945 to 1967 and chairing key committees. Saltonstall was respected for his bipartisan approach, supporting civil rights legislation and fiscal responsibility. His pragmatic leadership left a lasting mark on American politics.