October 29

Born in 1204 as the daughter of Duke Leopold VI of Austria, Margaret married King Ottokar I of Bohemia in 1225. As queen, she served as regent for her son after her husband's death, stabilizing the kingdom during a critical transition. She was a patron of monastic foundations and the arts, fostering cultural growth at the Bohemian court. Her diplomatic efforts strengthened ties with neighboring realms. Margaret's legacy endures in her contributions to the political and cultural life of medieval Bohemia.

Born in 1252 to Conrad IV, Conradin inherited claims to the kingdoms of Sicily and Jerusalem as the last legitimate Hohenstaufen heir. In 1268, he led a campaign to reclaim his Sicilian crown from Charles of Anjou but was defeated at the Battle of Tagliacozzo. Captured in Naples, he was executed on October 29 of the same year, sparking outrage across Europe. His death marked the end of Hohenstaufen rule and turned him into a romantic martyr figure. Conradin's tragic fate inspired later poets and historians fascinated by his youth and dynastic legacy.

Born in 1249 as the son of Margrave Herman V, Frederick I became Margrave of Baden while still a minor, under the guardianship of his uncle. He managed internal family disputes and fortified key castles to secure his lands. Frederick forged alliances with neighboring principalities to protect Baden's interests amid regional power struggles. His leadership laid the groundwork for the growth and stability of the Margraviate. Frederick's early death in 1268 led to a partition of his territories among his sons, influencing the region's future dynastic landscape.

Born in 1253, Milutin seized the Serbian throne in 1282 after a dynastic conflict with his brother. He expanded Serbian influence into Macedonia and northern Albania through military campaigns and strategic marriages. A devout Orthodox Christian, he commissioned numerous monasteries and churches, including the famous Gračanica Monastery. Milutin reformed legal codes and strengthened royal authority, ushering in a golden age of Serbian culture and statehood. His long reign ended with his death in 1321, leaving a legacy of architectural and political achievements.

Born in 1301 as the son of Mikhail of Tver, Aleksandr inherited claims to the Grand Principality of Vladimir, the premier title among the Rus' lands. He navigated complex relations with the Mongol Golden Horde to uphold his authority against rival princes, especially in Moscow. His campaigns included military expeditions and diplomatic missions to secure the title of Grand Prince. Accused of conspiring with the Horde, he was arrested and executed by order of Khan Uzbek in 1339. Aleksandr's downfall signaled the decline of Tver and the ascent of Moscow in Russian history.

Born in 1522 in Alkmaar, Coornhert trained as a jurist before devoting himself to literature, theology, and civic affairs. His writings called for religious tolerance and ethical conduct, influencing Dutch Reformation thought. An accomplished translator, he rendered classical texts into Dutch, enriching local literary culture. Serving as a councillor in Haarlem, he applied his humanist ideals to public governance. Coornhert's dialogues and essays anticipated Enlightenment themes of liberty and conscience, earning him a reputation as a pioneering thinker.

Born around 1554 in Devon, Raleigh rose to prominence as a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, leading expeditions to Guiana in search of gold. He sponsored the ill-fated Roanoke Colony, the first English attempt at a permanent settlement in North America. As Vice-Admiral of Devon and Lieutenant Governor of Jersey, he navigated both naval command and courtly intrigue. After a period of royal disfavour under King James I, he was arrested and executed for alleged treason in 1618. Raleigh's writings on exploration and his promotion of tobacco use secured his lasting fame.

Joseph Pulitzer was born in Makó, Hungary, in 1847. He emigrated to the United States at age 17 and pursued journalism and law. In 1883, he acquired the New York World and revolutionized sensational news reporting. He established Pulitzer, Inc., and upon his death founded the Pulitzer Prizes for excellence in journalism and the arts. Pulitzer served in the Missouri state legislature and was a fierce advocate for a free press. He died on October 29, 1911, leaving a lasting legacy on American media and publishing.

John Sebastian Little was born in Graves County, Kentucky, in 1851. He studied law and moved to Arkansas in 1875 to begin his legal career. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1890, he served eight terms representing Arkansas. In 1907, he became the 21st Governor of Arkansas but resigned shortly after due to a debilitating stroke. Little spent his final years at the State Hospital for the Insane in Little Rock. He died on October 29, 1916, and is remembered for his dedication to public service.

Paul Painlevé was born in Paris, France, in 1853. He earned a doctorate in mathematics and made significant contributions to differential equations and topology. During World War I, he served as Minister of War, overseeing critical aspects of the French military effort. In 1917 and again in 1925, he held the office of Prime Minister, grappling with postwar reconstruction and political challenges. Painlevé was also an advocate for scientific education and held positions at the Sorbonne. He died on October 29, 1933, remembered for bridging scientific excellence with public service.

Edward S. Anthoine was born in 1882 and built a career as a dedicated attorney before entering public service. He engaged with community issues and legal challenges of his era, bringing a thoughtful approach to governance. Throughout his life, Anthoine was committed to the rule of law and civic responsibility. Although the specifics of his offices are less widely known, his contributions reflected the professionalization of politics in his time. He died in 1942 after years of public involvement.

Gustaf V was born in 1858 and ascended the Swedish throne in 1907, becoming one of the longest-reigning monarchs in Europe. Though limited by parliamentary constraints, he played a key symbolic role during World War I and World War II, maintaining Swedish neutrality. His reign saw significant social and political reforms that modernized Sweden’s welfare state. Gustaf V was also an avid sportsman, often seen at tennis matches. He passed away in 1950, leaving behind a transformed Sweden that balanced tradition with progress.