September 28

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus, known as Pompey the Great, was a leading figure in the late Roman Republic. He earned the nickname 'Magnus' for his military successes against pirates and in the East. As a member of the First Triumvirate with Julius Caesar and Marcus Licinius Crassus, he played a central role in Roman politics. His rivalry with Caesar led to civil war in 49 BC. Pompey's defeat at the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC and subsequent assassination in Egypt marked the end of his storied career.

Rabbi Akiva was one of the most important contributors to the Mishnah and Jewish oral tradition. Born around 50 CE, he became a leading Torah teacher and amassed thousands of students. He supported the Bar Kokhba revolt against Rome, which led to his arrest. Akiva was tortured and executed in 135 CE for teaching Judaism under Roman prohibition. His teachings and martyrdom profoundly shaped Rabbinic Judaism and continue to inspire Jewish scholarship and faith.

Saint Leoba was an Anglo-Saxon nun from Wessex who became a prominent figure in the Christianization of Germany. Born in the late 7th century, she joined the monastery at Wimborne under the guidance of St. Lioba. Leoba traveled with St. Boniface to Hesse and led the convent at Tauberbischofsheim. She became renowned for her wisdom, piety, and leadership among the local clergy. Leoba corresponded with other church leaders, influencing the spread of monastic reform. She was venerated as a saint after her death in 782 and her cult endured throughout medieval Europe.

Wenceslaus I, also known as Saint Wenceslaus, ruled as Duke of Bohemia from 921 until his death in 935. Born into the Přemyslid dynasty, he promoted Christianity and built churches across his realm. His commitment to peace and justice earned him popularity among his subjects. Wenceslaus's brother Boleslaus betrayed him and orchestrated his murder at the age of about 28. Following his death, Wenceslaus was canonized and became the patron saint of the Czech lands. His legacy lives on in the Christmas carol “Good King Wenceslas” and in Czech national identity.

Minamoto no Hiromasa was a distinguished courtier of the Heian period, born into the influential Minamoto clan in 918. He served at the imperial court of Emperor Murakami and was renowned for his mastery of gagaku, the ancient court music. Hiromasa was admired for his poetry, musical talent, and cultural refinement. He cultivated the arts of koto and flute playing, earning respect among aristocratic circles. His patronage and performances contributed to the flourishing of Japanese court culture. Hiromasa’s legacy endures in historical records celebrating his artistic achievements and elegant courtly lifestyle.

Henry VI was the son of Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa and became King of the Romans in 1169. He married Constance of Sicily in 1186, securing the Sicilian crown by inheritance. Henry was crowned Holy Roman Emperor in 1191 and pursued ambitious campaigns to consolidate imperial authority in Italy. He faced resistance from Italian city-states and rival nobles but managed to maintain his hold on Sicily. Henry’s sudden death in 1197 at the age of 32 led to a succession crisis. His short but impactful reign influenced the political landscape of medieval Europe and the Holy Roman Empire.

Gertrude of Merania married King Andrew II of Hungary in 1205 and became queen consort. Born into the House of Andechs, she brought strong ties to the German nobility and exercised significant influence over court affairs. Gertrude was known for her patronage of the Church and involvement in political decisions. Her favoritism towards her German relatives sparked resentment among the Hungarian barons. In 1213, she was assassinated by discontented nobles during a hunting expedition. Gertrude’s death had lasting consequences for Hungarian politics and royal authority.

Elizabeth of Bohemia was born in 1292 to King Wenceslaus II and Queen Judith of Habsburg. She married King John of Bohemia in 1310, strengthening alliances between Bohemia and neighboring powers. As queen, Elizabeth supported religious communities and charitable works across her realm. She navigated complex dynastic politics during her husband’s reign and maintained the prestige of the royal court. Elizabeth’s wisdom and diplomatic skills were noted by contemporaries and chroniclers. She died in 1330, leaving a legacy of piety and political acumen among European royalty.

Cymburgis of Masovia was a Piast princess who married Duke Ernest the Iron of Austria in 1412. She played a key role in court life and was respected for her charitable support of monasteries and churches. Cymburgis bore several children who continued her dynastic line in the Habsburg territories. She was admired for her diplomatic skills and cultural patronage, strengthening ties between Bohemian, Polish, and Austrian nobility. After her husband’s death, Cymburgis acted as a guardian for her young sons and managed ducal affairs. She died in 1429, leaving a reputation for devotion and leadership.

George Buchanan was a leading figure of the Scottish Renaissance, born in 1506 and educated in Paris and Bordeaux. He served as professor of Latin at the University of St Andrews and later as tutor to Mary, Queen of Scots. Buchanan’s historical work, 'Rerum Scoticarum Historia,' provided a comprehensive account of Scottish history. He was also an accomplished poet, orator, and political theorist, advocating for constitutional government. Buchanan’s writings on resistance to tyranny influenced later Enlightenment thinkers. He died in 1582, leaving a legacy as one of Scotland’s greatest scholars and educators.

Margaret Clifford was born in 1540 to Henry Clifford, 2nd Earl of Cumberland. She married Henry Stanley, 4th Earl of Derby, and assumed the title Countess of Derby. Her royal descent made her a prominent figure in the succession discussions of the late Tudor era. She maintained a cultured household and was a patron of the arts during her life. Despite her high standing, she faced political scrutiny as potential heir until her death in 1596.

Born in 1563, Sylvester studied at Christ's College, Cambridge. He is best known for his English translation of Guillaume de Salluste Du Bartas’s epic poems, which became widely read. His translation, first published in 1593, influenced later Elizabethan poets with its vivid religious imagery. Sylvester served as a private secretary to Sir Robert Coke before retiring to private life. His work contributed significantly to cross-channel literary exchanges during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He died in 1618, leaving a lasting legacy in English devotional literature.