September 17

Born in 879, Charles was the posthumous son of King Louis the Stammerer. He ascended the throne of West Francia in 898 amid noble power struggles. In 911, he negotiated the Treaty of Saint-Clair-sur-Epte, granting Normandy to Viking settlers under Rollo. He later inherited the Kingdom of Lotharingia but lost it in 919 due to rebelling nobles. His reign ended when he was deposed and imprisoned in 922, spending his final years in captivity. He died in 929, leaving a complex legacy as a ruler who sought to secure his kingdom through diplomacy.

Born in 1433 to King Edward of Portugal and Queen Eleanor. At age 13, he was appointed cardinal-deacon by Pope Nicholas V. He studied theology in Rome and was active in curial affairs. Despite his youth, he held several benefices and influenced church politics. He returned to Portugal occasionally but spent most of his life in Italy. He died in 1459 at the age of 26, remembered as one of the youngest cardinals in history.

Born in Ferrara in 1479, Calcagnini studied classical literature and mathematics. He became a respected humanist scholar and was appointed professor at the University of Ferrara. He conducted astronomical observations and corresponded with leading scientists of his day. Calcagnini wrote treatises on arithmetic, cosmography, and the calendar. He served as a diplomat for the Este family, bridging science and statecraft. He died in 1541, leaving a legacy as a versatile Renaissance thinker.

Born in 1550 into the Borghese family, Camillo Borghese studied law at the University of Padua. He served in various diplomatic posts before being appointed cardinal in 1596. Elected Pope in 1605, he took the name Paul V. He fiercely defended papal authority in conflicts such as the Interdict of Venice. His papacy saw the completion of St. Peter’s Basilica and patronage of artists like Bernini. He expanded the church’s diplomatic network and reinforced Catholic orthodoxy after the Council of Trent. He died in 1621, leaving a lasting impact on the Catholic Church’s spiritual and artistic heritage.

Born in 1565, Edward was the son of Margrave Christopher II of Baden-Rodemachern. He inherited the Margraviate of Baden-Baden in 1578 but was deposed due to debts and legal disputes. After a prolonged family conflict, he regained control of parts of the Baden territories. Known for his extravagant patronage of the arts and architecture, he struggled with chronic financial instability. His rule was overshadowed by lawsuits and military interventions from neighboring princes. He died in exile in 1600, remembered for a reign that reflected the challenges of late Renaissance German principalities.

Born in 1578 in Devon, Prideaux studied at Exeter College, Oxford, where he later became a fellow. He was appointed Regius Professor of Divinity in 1610 and served as Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University from 1618 to 1620. In 1621, he was consecrated Bishop of Worcester. He authored several theological works and promoted reforms in university administration. During the English Civil War, he maintained the university’s academic functions amid turmoil. He died in 1650, leaving a reputation as a learned scholar and capable churchman.

Born in Ferrara in 1605, Sacrati studied music under the patronage of the d’Este court. He moved to Venice and became a leading composer of opera, collaborating with librettists like Giulio Rospigliosi. His best-known opera, 'La finta pazza,' premiered in 1641 to great success. He composed sacred music and operas that blended dramatic storytelling with innovative orchestration. Sacrati’s works were performed across Italy and at the French court, spreading Italian musical styles. He died in 1650, remembered as a key figure in the early Baroque opera tradition.

Born in 1630, Ranuccio was the son of Duke Odoardo Farnese and Margherita de’ Medici. He ascended the ducal throne at age 16 in 1646 under a regency council. His long reign saw the modernization of the duchy’s military and administration. He patronized artists, architects, and scholars, enhancing Parma’s cultural prestige. He navigated complex alliances in the Wars of Mantuan Succession and the Franco-Spanish conflicts. Ranuccio married three times and secured dynastic ties with European royal families. He died in 1694, leaving a legacy of stable governance and cultural flourishing.

Born in 1639 in Basel, Herr became a prominent bishop in the Swiss Mennonite Church. Facing religious persecution, he guided families in planning the migration to Pennsylvania in 1710. Arriving in America, he helped establish the first Mennonite congregation in Lancaster County. He played a key role in organizing the Amish settlement and maintaining religious traditions. Herr authored letters and led meetings that shaped early Anabaptist communities in the New World. He died in 1725, revered as one of the founding leaders of American Amish and Mennonite churches.

Born in 1688 to the Duke of Savoy, Maria Luisa was educated in Italian and French court etiquette. She married Philip V of Spain in 1701, strengthening ties between Savoy and Bourbon Spain. As queen, she promoted arts, music, and religious charities at the Spanish court. She bore four children, including the future King Louis I of Spain. She navigated the Spanish court during the War of the Spanish Succession’s aftermath. Her death in 1714 at age 25 was greatly mourned, and she was remembered for her grace and patronage.

Born in 1730 in Prussia, Friedrich Wilhelm von Steuben served in the Prussian army before volunteering to assist the American revolutionaries. Arriving at Valley Forge in 1778, he introduced rigorous drilling methods and organizational principles that transformed the Continental Army into a disciplined fighting force. As Inspector General, he authored the army's first drill manual known as the Blue Book, standardizing training procedures. His leadership and reforms were instrumental in sustaining the Continental Army through harsh conditions and achieving strategic victories. After the war, he continued to serve the United States, receiving citizenship and land grants in recognition of his contributions. Von Steuben's legacy endures as a foundational figure in American military history.

Born in 1739 in Charleston, South Carolina, John Rutledge studied law before entering public service. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and was a signer of the Articles of Confederation. As Governor of South Carolina, he led the state during the British siege of Charleston. In 1795, President Washington appointed him Chief Justice of the United States, though the Senate declined to confirm his nomination. Despite this setback, he continued to influence early American jurisprudence through his legal writings and court decisions. Rutledge's career reflects the complexities of establishing a national judiciary in the young republic.