September 29

Pompey (106 BC – 48 BC) rose to prominence as one of Rome’s greatest military commanders, securing victories in Spain and against Mediterranean pirates. He formed the First Triumvirate with Julius Caesar and Marcus Licinius Crassus, dominating Roman politics at its height. His campaigns in the East defeated King Mithridates VI and expanded Roman influence into Asia Minor and Syria. Tensions with Caesar erupted into civil war, culminating in Pompey’s defeat at Pharsalus in 48 BC. He sought refuge in Egypt but was assassinated, ending his storied career and reshaping the Roman Republic. Pompey’s legacy endures as a master strategist whose actions helped pave the way for the Roman Empire.

Ferdinand (1402–1443), known as the Holy Prince, was the third son of King John I of Portugal. Celebrated for his piety, he led the ill-fated 1437 expedition to Tangier alongside English allies. The campaign ended in failure, and Ferdinand was taken hostage by Moroccan forces. He remained in captivity in Fez for six years under harsh conditions before dying there. His steadfast faith and suffering elevated him to a symbol of Christian martyrdom in Portugal. Ferdinand’s life and death influenced later Portuguese crusading zeal and national identity.

Algernon Percy (1602–1668) was the 10th Earl of Northumberland and a leading figure in Parliament’s military efforts. He commanded Parliamentarian forces in northern England at the war’s outset, winning early successes. A moderate, Percy advocated for negotiation with King Charles I and opposed the monarch’s execution. His cautious strategies and political influence positioned him between radical and royalist factions. After the Restoration, he served in high-profile royal commissions, maintaining his status in English politics. Percy’s blend of military acumen and political moderation left a lasting impact on 17th-century England.

Robert Clive was born in 1725 in Shropshire, England, and joined the British East India Company as a clerk before entering its military service. He led decisive victories against the French and Indian allies at Arcot in 1751 and at the Battle of Plassey in 1757. Clive's triumph at Plassey marked the beginning of Company control over Bengal's wealth and administration. He served as the first Governor of Bengal and implemented reforms that expanded British influence. Despite controversies over his wealth and governance, his strategies were instrumental in establishing colonial rule. He was appointed Lord Lieutenant of Montgomeryshire in 1766 and died in 1774. His legacy remains complex, hailed for military genius and criticized for colonial exploitation.

Horatio Nelson was born in 1758 in Norfolk, England, and joined the Royal Navy at age 12. He rose quickly through the ranks thanks to his bold tactics and personal bravery. Nelson achieved fame at the Battle of the Nile in 1798 and at Copenhagen in 1801. As Vice Admiral, he secured a decisive victory at Trafalgar in 1805 but was mortally wounded in the engagement. His leadership, use of signal flags, and willingness to break conventional naval tactics became legendary. Nelson's death elevated him to a national hero and he was honored with a state funeral. His legacy endures as a symbol of courage and naval mastery.

Born José Miguel Ramón Adaucto Fernández y Félix in 1786, he adopted the name Guadalupe Victoria during Mexico's fight for independence. A skilled military commander, he fought alongside Morelos and became one of the few insurgent leaders to survive the struggle. After independence was achieved, he served as the interim head of state and was elected the first constitutional President of Mexico from 1824 to 1829. Victoria worked to stabilize the young nation by abolishing slavery, ratifying territorial boundaries, and supporting education. He championed republican ideals and resisted monarchical and foreign intervention. After his presidency, he remained active in politics before retiring to his estate. He died in 1843, hailed as a national hero and symbol of Mexico's liberty.

Born in 1843, Mikhail Skobelev rose through the ranks of the Russian Imperial Army. He earned renown for his campaigns in Central Asia, participating in the conquest of Turkestan. Skobelev’s bold tactics and distinctive white uniform made him a popular figure. He later commanded Russian forces in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–1878, achieving several key victories. Despite his acclaim, he died under mysterious circumstances in 1882 at the height of his fame.

Samora Machel was born in 1933 in Gaza Province and trained as a military officer before joining the struggle against Portuguese colonial rule. As the leader of FRELIMO, he guided Mozambique to independence in 1975 and became its first President. Machel implemented socialist policies focused on land reform, education, and healthcare to uplift the new nation. He championed Pan-African solidarity, supporting liberation movements across the continent. His presidency ended tragically in a 1986 plane crash near the South African border. Machel is remembered as a symbol of African independence and revolutionary leadership.