October 06

Yuknoom Yichʼaak Kʼahkʼ was a ruler of the ancient Maya city of Calakmul. He belonged to the powerful Snake dynasty during the Late Classic period. He is known from hieroglyphic inscriptions documenting political alliances and conflicts. Under his leadership, Calakmul maintained its dominance over rival Maya city-states. He died around 696, leaving a legacy that informs historians about Classic Maya civilization.

Wenceslaus III was the last male monarch of the Přemyslid dynasty. He became King of Bohemia in 1305, King of Hungary in the same year, and King of Poland in 1305. His reign was marked by dynastic struggles and foreign interventions. He faced opposition from rival claimants and struggled to maintain authority in his realms. He was assassinated in 1306 at the age of 17, ending his family's male line.

Martin Behaim was a German navigator, geographer, and cartographer. He participated in Portuguese voyages along the West African coast. In 1492, he created the Erdapfel, the oldest surviving terrestrial globe. His globe reflects the geographical knowledge of the late 15th century before Columbus’s return. Behaim's work marks a milestone in the history of cartography and navigation.

John Caius was an English physician and academic. He studied medicine at the University of Padua and became a prominent physician in London. In 1557, he co-founded Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, providing endowments and scholarship funds. He wrote influential medical texts and served as royal physician to Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I. His contributions helped advance medical education and the study of anatomy in England.

Rowland Taylor was an English Protestant priest and rector at Hadleigh. He became chaplain to the Duke of Suffolk and supported religious reforms under Edward VI. Under Queen Mary I's Catholic restoration, he was arrested for his faith. In 1555, he was burned at the stake in Norwich, becoming one of the Marian martyrs. His martyrdom inspired Protestant communities and is remembered in religious histories.

Matteo Ricci was an Italian Jesuit priest and one of the first Western missionaries in China. He studied Chinese language and Confucian texts, adopting local customs to foster cultural exchange. Ricci introduced Western science, mathematics, and cartography to the Ming court. His works included the production of world maps in Chinese and translations of classical works. He laid the foundation for Sino-Western relations and influenced intellectual exchange until his death in 1610.

Ferenc Nadasdy was a Hungarian nobleman and politician. He earned the nickname “Black Captain” for his leadership in campaigns against the Ottoman Empire. He held important offices in the Kingdom of Hungary and managed extensive estates. Nadasdy's family alliances and military activities shaped Hungarian resistance in the late 16th century. He died in 1604, remembered as a key figure in Hungary's noble and military history.

Marie de Gournay was a French writer and early feminist thinker. She worked as an amanuensis and editor for Michel de Montaigne, publishing his posthumous essays. In 1626, she published The Equality of Men and Women, advocating intellectual equality. Her writings contributed to humanist literature and early discussions on women's rights. Gournay remained a significant voice in French letters until her death in 1645.

Henry Wriothesley, 3rd Earl of Southampton, was an English nobleman and courtier. He served as Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire and held various royal appointments. Wriothesley is best known as a patron of William Shakespeare, who dedicated early poems to him. He navigated the turbulent politics of Elizabethan England and participated in military expeditions. He died in 1624, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with English literature and politics.

Roger Manners, 5th Earl of Rutland, was an English nobleman and courtier. He inherited the earldom as a child and managed family estates under the guidance of regents. Manners served in the royal court of Queen Elizabeth I and was known for his cultural patronage. He traveled in Europe, collecting books and artifacts, reflecting Renaissance interests. He died in 1612, remembered for his contributions to the arts and his noble lineage.

Born in Florence to the renowned composer Giulio Caccini, Settimia was one of the first celebrated female singers of the early Baroque era. She performed at the Medici court and contributed to the development of opera and sacred music in Italy. Her published works include collections of madrigals and sacred motets that display her expressive vocal style. Settimia broke gender norms of her time by achieving recognition as both a performer and composer. Her musical legacy influenced subsequent generations of women in the arts.

Charles de Sainte-Maure, Duke of Montausier, was a distinguished French noble and military commander in the 17th century. He fought in key battles of the Franco-Dutch War and earned recognition for his strategic acumen. As a member of the royal court, he held various governorships and was admired for his loyalty to the crown. In addition to his military career, he was known for cultural patronage and refined manners at Versailles. His legacy reflects the intertwining of aristocratic duty and martial service during the reign of Louis XIV.