October 22

Born in 955, Qian Weijun was the eldest son of Qian Liu, founder of the Wuyue kingdom. He succeeded his father as king in 988 and ruled until his death in 991. During his reign, he maintained peaceful relations with the emerging Song dynasty and oversaw cultural developments. He is remembered for his patronage of Buddhism and support for the arts. His diplomatic skills helped preserve Wuyue's autonomy amid political turmoil of the era.

William IX became Duke of Aquitaine at age 16 in 1086 and ruled until his death in 1126. He is celebrated as one of the earliest troubadours, composing lyric poetry in Occitan. His passionate songs and courtly love themes laid the foundations for the troubadour tradition. William also led military campaigns, including participation in the Crusade of 1101. His rebellious actions against the French crown marked him as a colorful and controversial medieval leader.

Born in 1197, Juntoku ascended the throne as Emperor of Japan at age 13. His reign was dominated by the powerful Kujō regents who controlled the court. In 1221, he sided with the retired Emperor Go-Toba in the Jōkyū War against the Kamakura shogunate. After their defeat, Juntoku was deposed and exiled to Sado Island, where he spent the rest of his life. He died in exile in 1242, remembered for his tragic downfall and poetic talents.

Born in 1511 in Saalfeld, Erasmus Reinhold studied at Wittenberg and later became professor of higher mathematics. In 1551 he published the Prutenic Tables, astronomical tables based on Copernican models. These tables improved the accuracy of planetary and eclipse predictions across Europe. Reinhold's work helped spread interest in heliocentric astronomy despite opposition to Copernicus. He also taught notable students and influenced the scientific revolution through his research and teaching.

Joachim Jungius was born in 1587 and became a leading figure in early modern science. He emphasized rigorous mathematical proof and empirical observation over scholastic tradition. His works challenged Aristotelian logic and laid groundwork for the scientific method. Jungius made contributions to mathematical analysis, optics, and the philosophy of science. He served as a professor at the University of Giessen and influenced later thinkers.

Gustav Horn was born in 1592 into Swedish nobility and later received the title Count of Pori. He became one of Sweden's most respected commanders under King Gustavus Adolphus. Horn played key roles in major battles such as Breitenfeld (1631) and Leipzig (1642). He was appointed governor-general of Swedish Pomerania after the war and guided its administration. His military leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental to Sweden's rise as a great power.

Born in 1659 in Ansbach, Georg Ernst Stahl studied medicine and chemistry at the University of Jena. He became court physician in Halle and later professor of medicine at the University of Halle. Stahl proposed the phlogiston theory to explain combustion, a dominant chemical theory until Lavoisier. He was also a leading proponent of vitalism, arguing that living organisms possess a unique 'vital force.' Stahl's ideas influenced the development of experimental medicine and chemistry in the early 18th century.

John V ascended to the Portuguese throne in 1706 and ruled until 1750. His reign was marked by immense wealth from Brazilian gold and diamond mines. He sponsored grand architectural projects, including the Palace of Mafra and Lisbon's royal library. John V cultivated relations with the Vatican and secured the title 'Most Faithful Majesty' from the Pope. Under his rule, Portugal expanded its overseas holdings and strengthened its cultural ties to Europe.

Maria Amalia was born in 1701 as daughter of Emperor Leopold I of Austria. She married Charles Albert of Bavaria in 1722, later becoming Holy Roman Empress as Maria Amalia. Her tenure saw the War of the Austrian Succession and political tensions across Europe. Known for her diplomatic acumen, she supported charitable institutions and cultural patronage. After her husband's death in 1745, she retired to private life in Bavaria until her death in 1756.

Born in 1729 in Prussia, Johann Reinhold Forster initially served as a Lutheran pastor. He joined James Cook's second Pacific voyage in 1772 as naturalist and botanist alongside his son Georg. Forster collected thousands of plant and animal specimens, advancing the study of biogeography. His publications, including 'Observations Made During a Voyage Round the World,' influenced Enlightenment scientists. Later, he became professor of natural history in Poland and continued his research until his death in 1798.

Cornelis van der Aa was born in what is now the Netherlands and devoted his career to researching Dutch history. He authored several influential historical and biographical works that captured the lives of Dutch monarchs and key figures. Through his bookselling business, he made historical knowledge accessible to a broad readership. His publications combined meticulous scholarship with engaging narrative, contributing to the national historical identity. He is remembered for his dual legacy as a historian and publisher during a period of cultural awakening in the Netherlands.

Born in Motril, Spain, Javier de Burgos trained as a lawyer and rose to prominent political positions in the early 19th century. He served as Minister of Development under Queen Isabella II and authored the landmark 1833 provincial division that reshaped Spain’s internal boundaries. His reforms laid the foundation for Spain’s modern administrative system and provincial identities. De Burgos also contributed to legal scholarship through his writings on government and public administration. He is celebrated for his enduring impact on Spanish governance and territorial organization.