November 04

She ascended to the throne of Palenque around 583 and ruled until her death in 604. She was one of the first female rulers in Maya history. Under her reign, Palenque recovered from previous military defeats. Her monuments and stelae record major building projects and rituals. She strengthened diplomatic ties with neighboring city-states. Her legacy paved the way for later women of power in the Maya world.

She was born in 892 and became empress consort during the early Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. As empress, she wielded considerable influence over court decisions and imperial appointments. She was known for her patronage of Buddhist monasteries and charitable works. Zhang maintained stability at court during a time of political fragmentation. Her sudden death in 915 led to a power struggle among factions. Her life reflects the complex role of women in medieval Chinese politics.

Born in 970 into the Přemyslid dynasty, he first assumed power in Bohemia in 1003. He was deposed and later restored to the dukedom multiple times. Jaromír navigated rival claims from his brothers and asserted his authority through alliances with the Holy Roman Empire. He supported church reforms and monastic institutions. His reign was marked by both internal strife and diplomatic negotiations. He died in exile in 1038, leaving a contested legacy.

Dirk VII succeeded his father as Count of Holland in 1190 and ruled until 1203. He strengthened the autonomy of his county and expanded its influence. Dirk engaged in conflicts with the Bishop of Utrecht over territorial rights. He supported the development of towns and granted charters to merchants. His reign saw the growth of trade along the North Sea coast. He died in 1203, leaving a more unified Holland.

Born around 1127, he became a hermit in the Forest of Cerfroid before meeting John of Matha. Together they founded the Order of the Holy Trinity in 1198 with papal approval. The order was dedicated to the ransom of Christian captives and grew rapidly across Europe. Felix was known for his deep compassion and commitment to charitable works. He was canonized as a saint in 1262. His feast day is celebrated on November 4, honoring his legacy of mercy.

Elizabeth de Clare was born in 1295 as the granddaughter of King Edward I of England. She inherited vast estates as one of the wealthiest women of her time. Elizabeth was married three times to members of England's most powerful families. She became a notable patron of learning and founded what became Clare College at Cambridge University. Her generous support of religious and educational institutions left a lasting impact. She died in 1360, remembered for her leadership and philanthropy.

Khalil Sultan was born in 1384 as a grandson of the conqueror Timur. He was appointed governor of Ferghana and later seized Samarkand after Timur's death. His brief reign was marked by cultural patronage, including commissioning illuminated manuscripts. He faced challenges from other Timurid princes and was quickly dethroned. Khalil spent his final years in relative obscurity before dying in 1411. He is remembered for his role in the early Timurid Renaissance.

Sophia of Bavaria was born in 1376 to the Wittelsbach dynasty. She married King Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia in 1389 and became queen consort. Sophia acted as regent during her husband's absences and navigated the kingdom through periods of unrest. She was a patron of charitable foundations and religious communities in Prague. Her diplomatic skill helped maintain Bohemian interests amid regional conflicts. She died in 1428, leaving a legacy of political acumen.

Born in 1427, Françoise d'Amboise became Duchess of Brittany through her marriage to Peter II. After his death, she renounced worldly power to join the Carmelite order. In 1463, she founded the first Carmelite convent in France at Nantes. Françoise devoted her life to prayer, charity, and education. She was canonized as a saint in 1863 by Pope Pius IX. Her feast day is celebrated on May 4 and she is honored for her piety and leadership.

Giovanni Mocenigo was born in 1408 into one of Venice's leading noble families. He served as ambassador to several Italian states before being elected Doge in 1478. His tenure was dominated by the conflict with the Ottoman Empire, and he negotiated the peace of 1479. Mocenigo supported major architectural and artistic projects that enriched Venice's cultural landscape. He also strengthened the republic's trade networks and naval power. He died in 1485, leaving Venice more secure and prosperous.

Born around 1503 into the Paulet family, he succeeded his father as the second Marquess of Winchester in 1572. He was appointed Lord High Treasurer under Queen Mary I and continued to serve under Queen Elizabeth I, managing the realm's finances. A prominent courtier during the turbulent Reformation era, he navigated religious and political challenges with skill. Known for his loyalty to the crown and his keen administrative abilities, he left a lasting legacy in English nobility.

Born in Bayonne around 1511, he rose through the ranks of the Knights Hospitaller to become a celebrated naval leader. He played a key role in the defense of Malta during the Great Siege of 1565, demonstrating tactical skill against Ottoman forces. His success on the seas earned him the title of Grand Prior of France and later a contested election as Grandmaster. Romegas's career was marked by both military prowess and controversy within the Order. He died in 1581, remembered as one of the most daring commanders of his era.