October 28

Maxentius, originally Marcus Aurelius Valerius Maxentius, seized power in Rome amid civil strife in 306 and ruled the Western Roman Empire. He initiated major building projects such as the Basilica of Maxentius and bolstered the city’s defenses. His rivalries with Constantine the Great culminated in the pivotal Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. Defeated in battle, Maxentius drowned in the Tiber River as his forces collapsed. His brief reign is remembered for its ambitious urban works and dramatic end at a decisive clash that shaped the future of the empire.

Ibas of Edessa served as bishop from 435 until his death in 457 and became a central figure in the early Christological debates. He corresponded with leading theologians and supported positions later associated with Nestorianism, which led to his deposition in 448. He was reinstated by imperial decree at the Council of Constantinople in 449 and his teachings influenced the Three Chapters controversy. Ibas’s writings and letters played a significant role in shaping the doctrines of the Eastern Church. His tumultuous career highlights the complex interplay of theology and imperial politics in the 5th century.

Beggo, a son of Pepin of Herstal and Alpaida, emerged as an influential Carolingian noble in the early 9th century. He was appointed Count of Toulouse and later Count of Paris, overseeing key frontier territories under Charlemagne’s successors. Beggo managed royal estates, enforced imperial authority, and defended the realm against internal challenges. His administrative acumen contributed to the stability of the Carolingian Empire during dynastic transitions. Although less famous than his half-brother Charles Martel, Beggo played a vital role in maintaining the cohesion of Frankish lands.

Remigius of Lyon served as Archbishop of Lyon until his death in 875 and was a prominent leader in the Frankish Church. He participated in ecclesiastical synods, guided clergy reforms, and negotiated between the Carolingian monarchy and church authorities. Remigius defended church lands from external threats, including Viking raids, to preserve monastic communities. He corresponded with regional rulers to maintain ecclesiastical privileges and support charitable works in his diocese. His tenure strengthened the institutional foundations of the Western Church during a period of political turbulence.

Bolesław III Wrymouth became Duke of Poland in 1107 and earned renown for his military campaigns against neighboring duchies and the Pomeranians. He secured Polish control of the Baltic coast and supported the expansion of Christianity in the region. In 1109, his forces repelled an invasion by Emperor Henry V, bolstering his authority at home and abroad. To prevent dynastic conflicts, he introduced the Seniorate system in his 1138 testament, dividing his realm among his sons. While the arrangement ultimately led to fragmentation, Bolesław’s reign laid critical foundations for the medieval Polish state.

Born into the aristocratic Fujiwara family in 1155, Jien became a Tendai Buddhist monk on Mount Hiei and rose to prominence as a court historian and poet. He authored the Gukanshō, a foundational historical work reflecting on the cyclical nature of dynasties through a Buddhist lens. Jien also contributed waka poetry to imperial anthologies, showcasing his literary skill. As abbot of key monasteries, he influenced both religious thought and political affairs during the transition from Heian to Kamakura rule. His blended legacy of scholarship and spirituality continues to inform studies of medieval Japanese history and literature.

Arsenije I Sremac succeeded Saint Sava as the second Archbishop of the Serbian Orthodox Church in 1233 and led the church until 1266. A devoted monk from the Hilandar Monastery, he organized dioceses and fostered monastic communities across medieval Serbia. He oversaw the construction of churches and promoted religious art and literature. Arsenije navigated turbulent political alliances to protect church autonomy, supporting the Nemanjić dynasty. Venerated as a saint, he is commemorated on October 28 for his spiritual leadership and lasting impact on Eastern Orthodoxy.

Athanasius I of Constantinople, born around 1230, was elected patriarch in 1289 at a time of deep tension over the Union of Lyon. He vehemently opposed reunification efforts with the Catholic Church and resisted pressures from Emperor Andronikos II. Deposed and exiled in 1293, he returned to the patriarchal throne in 1303 and continued to defend Eastern Orthodox doctrine. Athanasius championed monastic reforms, commissioned liturgical texts, and worked to restore theological orthodoxy. His dynamic leadership and unwavering stance against Latin influence marked his tenure until his death in 1310.

Elizabeth of Carinthia was born in 1262 into the Meinhardiner dynasty and married Frederick the Fair, becoming Queen of Germany. As consort, she supported her husband’s contested claim to the imperial throne and engaged in diplomatic negotiations with the papacy and regional princes. Following Frederick’s defeat and captivity, Elizabeth managed the affairs of court and upheld Habsburg interests in the Empire. She was a noted patron of religious institutions, founding monasteries and charitable foundations. Elizabeth’s regency demonstrated political acumen and reinforced her family’s influence until her death in 1312.

Margaret I of Denmark, born in 1353, married King Haakon VI of Norway and became queen consort of both Denmark and Norway. After the deaths of her husband and son, she assumed regency and masterfully consolidated power across the kingdoms. In 1397, she founded the Kalmar Union, uniting Denmark, Norway, and Sweden under a single monarch. Her diplomatic skill and political vision laid the groundwork for more than a century of Nordic cooperation. Recognized as one of medieval Scandinavia’s most formidable rulers, she remained the de facto sovereign until her death in 1412.

Born in 1425 as the only legitimate child of Duke Filippo Maria Visconti. She married Francesco Sforza, helping to establish the Sforza dynasty in Milan. After her husband's death, she ruled as regent for their son, Galeazzo Maria II. She was a major patron of Renaissance art and architecture, sponsoring notable artists and building projects. Her political acumen and cultural contributions significantly shaped Milan during a pivotal era.

Ashikaga Yoshihide was born in 1539 and became the 14th shogun of the Muromachi shogunate in 1568. His tenure lasted only a few months before Oda Nobunaga seized Kyoto and ended his authority. He assumed the title after the death of his cousin Yoshiteru but lacked real power over the military governors. Forced to abandon the capital, he died later that year, likely from illness. His brief rule marked the final decline of the Ashikaga shogunate.