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.

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.

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.

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.

Born Prince Salim in 1569, Jahangir succeeded his father Akbar as the fourth Mughal emperor in 1605. His reign saw a flourishing of Mughal art, architecture, and culture, including detailed miniature paintings and monumental structures. He maintained policies of religious tolerance and continued the administrative reforms of his father. Jahangir married his influential wife Nur Jahan, who played a major role in court politics and patronage. He died in 1627 during a campaign in the northwest frontier, leaving a legacy of artistic, architectural, and administrative achievements.

Prince George was born in Copenhagen in 1653 as the son of King Frederick III of Denmark. He married Anne, then Princess of England, Scotland, and Ireland, in 1683. Although not formally crowned king, he supported Anne's reign and held various military and court appointments. He struggled with ill health throughout his life but remained a loyal companion and advisor to Queen Anne. Prince George died in 1708 at Kensington Palace, and his death deeply affected the queen.

Born in 1627 in Farley, Wiltshire, Fox rose from humble beginnings to become one of the wealthiest commoners in England. He was appointed Paymaster of the Forces in 1661 and managed military finances for Charles II. Fox used his wealth to found the Royal Hospital Chelsea in 1681, a retirement home for veterans. He represented Salisbury and subsequently Lostwithiel as Member of Parliament. He died in 1716, remembered for his financial acumen and philanthropic contributions.

Born in 1693 as Duchess Anna of Courland, she was the niece of Peter the Great. She ascended to the Russian throne through a palace coup in 1730, after the death of Peter II. Empress Anna's reign was marked by centralized authority and lavish court ceremonies. She promoted arts and architecture, commissioning the Winter Palace and the Summer Palace in St. Petersburg. Her foreign policy involved Russia in the War of Polish Succession and the Russo-Swedish War. Anna died in 1740, leaving a legacy of imperial absolutism and cultural patronage.

Born in 1700 in Thuringia, Brühl entered Saxon service under Augustus II the Strong. He rose to become First Minister of Saxony and Minister of the Treasury for Poland. Brühl wielded immense power, overseeing court finances, foreign policy, and diplomatic affairs. He commanded Saxon troops in the War of Austrian Succession and managed the state during the Seven Years' War. Despite his influence, his lavish spending and military failures strained Saxony's resources. He was dismissed in 1763 and died later that year, leaving a controversial reputation.