September 14

Drusus Julius Caesar (7 BC – AD 23) was the only biological son of Emperor Tiberius and Vipsania Agrippina. Adopted by Tiberius as his heir, he held positions such as consul and retained the prestige of the Julio-Claudian house. Renowned for his reserved and dignified character, he was seen as a stabilizing presence amid court intrigue. He was implicated in a conspiracy and died under suspicious circumstances, widely believed to be the result of poisoning orchestrated by Sejanus. His untimely death altered the course of imperial succession, leading to increased instability in the Roman Empire.

Emperor Bidatsu (538–585) was the 30th sovereign according to the traditional order of Japanese emperors and reigned from 572 until his death. His rule coincided with the growing influence of Buddhism, leading to debates between pro- and anti-Buddhist clans. He supported the Soga clan's promotion of Buddhism, which caused tensions with conservative factions. Little is recorded about his personal achievements, but his reign set the stage for subsequent Asuka period reforms. He died at a young age, and his policies influenced the evolution of imperial authority and state religion in Japan.

Yang You (605–619), known as Emperor Gong of Sui, was placed on the throne in 617 by the rebel general Yuwen Huaji. A grandson of Emperor Wen, he had no real power and served as a figurehead during the dynasty's decline. The Sui Dynasty faced widespread rebellions, heavy taxation, and military failures that weakened imperial control. After the assassination of Emperor Yang, he was briefly recognized before being deposed by the rising Tang forces. His death marked the end of Sui rule and paved the way for the establishment of the Tang Dynasty.

Constantine V (718–775) became Byzantine co-emperor as a child and ruled alone from 741 until his death. He successfully defended the empire against Arab and Bulgar invasions, securing key eastern territories. A staunch iconoclast, he implemented policies that destroyed religious images and persecuted their supporters. He reformed the army and civil administration, strengthening central authority and fiscal stability. His controversial reign had a lasting impact on Byzantine religious and political life.

Al-Hadi (764–786) succeeded his father al-Mahdi as the fourth caliph of the Abbasid dynasty in 785. Eager to reduce the influence of his mother, Al-Khayzuran, he attempted to centralize power in his own hands. His short reign was marked by tensions with the elite and military factions within the capital. In 786, he died suddenly under mysterious circumstances, leading to speculation of palace intrigue. Although his rule was brief, his struggles highlighted challenges of governance in the early Abbasid Caliphate.

Li Mian (717–788) served the Tang court in multiple roles including judge, military general, and regional governor. He earned a reputation for strict fairness in legal affairs and loyalty to the imperial family. On the battlefield, he defended frontier territories against rebels and external threats. A cultured scholar, he composed poems and music reflecting the refined tastes of the Tang elite. His multifaceted career exemplified the scholar-official ideal of medieval China.

Li Yong served as a high-ranking chancellor in the late Tang court, overseeing civil administration and advising the emperor. He was respected for his sound judgment and efforts to maintain stability amid political strife. Though few details survive about his policies, he is remembered for his dedication to good governance. He died in 820, concluding a notable career in imperial service. His example influenced later generations of Tang officials.

Niall Glúndub reigned as High King of Ireland from 916 to 919. He belonged to the Ui Neill dynasty and worked to assert Gaelic power across Ireland. He led successful military campaigns against Norse settlements, notably defending Ulster. His strategic alliances with regional kings strengthened his authority. He fell in battle near Dublin while confronting Viking forces. His reign is celebrated as a pivotal period in early medieval Irish resistance to Norse expansion.

Fujiwara no Tadahira was a leading member of the Fujiwara clan in 10th-century Japan. He served as regent (sessho) for Emperor Suzaku and later for Emperor Murakami. He played a key role in implementing the Engi Shiki legal codes and court rituals. His administration strengthened the centralized government and consolidated Fujiwara influence. He navigated complex court politics and oversaw cultural patronage. His regency marked a period of stability and significant cultural development in Heian-era Japan.

Imad ad-Din Zengi rose to prominence as atabeg of Mosul in 1127 and later took control of Aleppo. He established the Zengid dynasty, uniting large parts of Syria under his rule. His campaigns against the Crusader states shifted the balance of power in the region. He famously captured the County of Edessa in 1144, signaling the collapse of the first Crusader state. His military successes inspired subsequent leaders like Nur ad-Din and Saladin. He is remembered as a formidable strategist and a unifier of Muslim territories.

Emperor Sutoku ascended the throne in 1123 at a young age, becoming the 75th emperor of Japan. His reign was marked by intense factional struggles within the imperial court. In 1142 he abdicated in favor of his brother under pressure from rival Fujiwara clans. After the Hogen Rebellion of 1156, he was exiled to Sanuki Province where he spent the rest of his life. His exile gave rise to legends of his restless spirit in Japanese folklore. He is remembered as a tragic figure whose life reflects the complexities of Heian-era politics.

Albert IV succeeded his father, Albert III, as Duke of Austria in 1395. He focused on consolidating Habsburg control over Austrian territories and strengthening the ducal administration. He maintained diplomatic relations with neighboring kingdoms and noble families. Albert IV was a patron of the arts and supported the construction of churches and monasteries. His reign saw economic growth, particularly in the city of Vienna. He died unexpectedly in 1404 and was succeeded by his son, Albert V, who later became King of the Romans.