September 11

Born around 600 AD, Yuknoom Ch'een II (also known as Yuknoom the Great) was the paramount ruler of Calakmul, one of the most powerful Maya city-states. He reigned during a time of intense rivalry with Tikal, forging alliances and waging strategic campaigns that extended Calakmul's influence across the Maya region. Under his leadership, Calakmul experienced a flourishing of monumental architecture and artistic achievement. His dynastic policies strengthened the Snake dynasty and secured the city's legacy in Maya history. Though many details of his life remain shrouded, Yuknoom Ch'een II is remembered as one of the greatest rulers of the Classic Maya world.

Born in 1182, Minamoto no Yoriie was the eldest son of Minamoto no Yoritomo and became the second shōgun of Japan's Kamakura shogunate in 1202. His reign was marked by rising tensions between the Hōjō regents and rival clans seeking influence over the young shōgun. After just a year in power, he was forced to abdicate under pressure from Hōjō Tokimasa, effectively ending his political authority. Yoriie's later life was spent under house arrest, and he died in 1204 under unclear circumstances. Despite his short tenure, his rule highlighted the growing power of the regent Hōjō clan and set precedents for shogunal succession.

Born in 1318 as the daughter of Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster, Eleanor of Lancaster became Countess of Arundel through her marriages into the Beaumont and FitzAlan families. She played a significant role in the alliances between powerful English noble houses during the reign of Edward III. Eleanor's lineage and marriages helped shape the political landscape of 14th-century England. She was known for her patronage of religious institutions and for managing her estates with notable competence. Eleanor died in 1372, leaving descendants who continued to influence English nobility.

Born in 1465 in Arezzo, Bernardo Accolti gained fame for his ability to compose verse on the spot, earning him the nickname l'Unico Aretino (the Unique Aretine). He became a favorite of popes and nobility in Florence and Rome, dazzling audiences with poetic contests and public performances. Accolti's works influenced the development of vernacular poetry in Italy and inspired later poets with his lyrical style. His success brought him wealth and social standing, making him one of the most renowned literary figures of his time. He died in 1536, leaving behind a legacy as one of the foremost court poets of the Renaissance.

Born in 1476 to the House of Savoy, Louise of Savoy became Duchess of Angoulême and mother of King Francis I. She acted as regent during Francis's absences in Italy (1515–1516) and again after his capture at the Battle of Pavia in 1525, negotiating the Treaty of Madrid. A shrewd diplomat and patron of the arts, Louise supported the early French Renaissance and maintained stability during turbulent times. Her guidance shaped French politics and culture, and her close relationship with her son allowed her to influence major decisions. Louise died in 1531, remembered as one of the most powerful women of her era.

Born in 1494 into the ducal family of Brunswick-Lüneburg, Elisabeth married Charles II, Duke of Guelders, in the early 1500s and assumed the title Duchess of Guelders. She supported her husband in resisting Habsburg encroachment on their territories and sought to maintain the independence of Guelders. After Charles II's death in 1538, Elisabeth faced political pressures as the duchy was absorbed by the Habsburgs. She spent her later years defending the rights and properties of her family while navigating the complexities of 16th-century European politics. Elisabeth died in 1572, leaving a legacy tied to the last days of the independent Duchy of Guelders.

Born in 1522 in Bologna, Ulisse Aldrovandi studied medicine before turning to the systematic study of plants and animals. He became a professor at the University of Bologna and assembled one of the earliest natural history cabinets, cataloging thousands of specimens. Aldrovandi published landmark works such as 'Ornithologia' and 'De Plantis', which influenced generations of scientists and naturalists. His approach to classification and observation helped establish natural history as a scientific discipline. He died in 1605, leaving behind a rich legacy as a pioneer of empirical research in the Renaissance.

Born in 1524, Pierre de Ronsard was a court poet who co-founded the Pléiade group, aiming to elevate the French language through classical models. He wrote the celebrated sonnet sequence 'Les Amours' dedicated to Cassandre and the epic 'La Franciade', earning acclaim for his mastery of form and imagery. Ronsard's poetry emphasized harmony, mythological themes, and the beauty of nature, influencing countless writers in France and beyond. As a courtier and diplomat, he navigated the religious and political upheavals of the Wars of Religion while maintaining artistic patronage. He died in 1585, leaving a lasting legacy as the 'Prince of Poets' in French literary history.

Born in 1525, John George succeeded his father Joachim II as Elector of Brandenburg in 1571. His long reign was marked by efforts to strengthen central authority, improve the legal system, and support the arts and education. He navigated religious tensions between Protestant and Catholic states within the Empire, maintaining relative stability in Brandenburg. John George patronized architectural projects in Berlin and Brandenburg, laying foundations for the later rise of Prussia. He died in 1598 after nearly three decades of rule, leaving a more organized and prosperous electorate.

Born in 1557 in Peralta de la Sal, Joseph Calasanz was ordained in Rome and devoted himself to the education of underprivileged youth. In 1617, he established the Congregation of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools (Piarists), the first Catholic order dedicated to providing free schooling. His innovative methods combined religious instruction with a broad curriculum including mathematics and sciences. Despite facing opposition and challenges within the Church, Calasanz's schools spread across Europe and influenced later educational models. He died in 1648 and was canonized in 1767, remembered as a pioneer of universal education within the Catholic tradition.

Born in 1572 to the Mughal Emperor Akbar, Daniyal Mirza was a prominent royal figure in the late 16th century. He served as governor of Thatta and later of Ajmer, overseeing administration and military campaigns. Well-educated in Persian and Islamic studies, he played a crucial role in court diplomacy. His life was marked by rivalry with his brothers over succession to the throne. Daniyal’s reported struggles with alcohol contributed to his early death in 1604 at age 32. Despite his brief life, he left a lasting impression on Mughal imperial history.

Vincenzo Maculani was born in 1578 in Genoa and joined the Dominican Order at a young age. He rose through the ranks to become a cardinal in 1643 under Pope Urban VIII. As an inquisitor, he oversaw trials against alleged heretics and was involved in the proceedings of prominent figures. Maculani also contributed to the design and construction of key ecclesiastical buildings in Rome, working closely with leading architects. His strict enforcement of doctrinal orthodoxy and architectural vision left a significant mark on the Catholic Church. He continued to serve in the Roman Curia until his death in 1667.