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.

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.

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.

Born in 1640 into the influential Spencer family, Robert Spencer pursued legal studies before entering politics. He served in various diplomatic posts and was a privy councillor under Charles II. Under James II, he initially supported royal policies but later shifted allegiance during the Glorious Revolution. William III appointed him as Lord President of the Council, where he oversaw domestic governance and administration. Sunderland was known for his political adaptability and involvement in the complex party struggles of his age. He died in 1702, leaving behind a reputation as a skilled negotiator and courtier.

Born into a noble family in 1771, Raevsky entered the Russian army and quickly rose through the ranks. He fought in key engagements during the 1812 Patriotic War, including the Battle of Borodino. Raevsky’s leadership of the 7th Infantry Corps was noted for courageous defense and tactical skill. After the war, he served in the State Council, influencing military and civil administration. He remained a popular national hero, immortalized in Russian literature and folklore. Raevsky died in 1829, leaving a legacy as one of Russia’s most revered military figures.

Born in 1769 into the prominent Tolstoy family, Pyotr Tolstoy pursued a military career in the Imperial Russian Army. He saw action in wars against Revolutionary and Napoleonic France, gaining distinction in several battles. Tolstoy later held senior administrative posts, including Governor of Tver and membership in the imperial Senate. He was known for his organizational skills and efforts to modernize military logistics and training. Tolstoy’s leadership extended to diplomatic missions, representing Russia’s interests abroad. He died in 1844, remembered as both a capable general and adept civilian official.

Yu Gwansun (1902–1920) was a courageous leader in the March 1st Movement against Japanese occupation of Korea. As a teenager, she organized and led her schoolmates in peaceful demonstrations advocating for national sovereignty. Arrested by authorities, she endured harsh interrogation and imprisonment before her untimely death at eighteen. Despite her youth, her unwavering spirit and sacrifice made her an enduring symbol of Korean resistance. Yu’s legacy is honored annually in Korea as a testament to her heroic contributions to independence.

Gamal Abdel Nasser led the 1952 revolution that overthrew Egypt’s monarchy, becoming prime minister and later the second President of Egypt. He nationalized the Suez Canal in 1956, asserting Egyptian sovereignty and inspiring anti-colonial movements worldwide. Nasser promoted land reforms, social welfare programs, and industrial development, while advocating non-alignment during the Cold War. His vision of Pan-Arab unity reshaped Middle East politics. He died in 1970, leaving a complex legacy as a symbol of Arab independence and modern state-building.