November 07

Cen Changqian rose through the imperial bureaucracy to become one of the most trusted advisors of Empress Wu Zetian. He played a major role in drafting legal codes and overseeing state examinations. As a reform-minded official, he advocated for stricter standards in government appointments. In 691, he fell victim to palace intrigue and was executed on charges of treason, marking a dramatic end to his career. His life highlights the intense power struggles of imperial China’s court.

Ge Fuyuan served the imperial court during a period of consolidation in the Tang dynasty. He held several civil posts focused on regional governance and taxation. Although detailed records of his life are scarce, his administrative efforts contributed to the stability of local regions. He died in 691 amid a climate of political tension. His story offers insight into the often overlooked mid-level bureaucracy of early imperial China.

Zhu Shouyin rose to prominence as a military commander under the Later Tang regime. He led campaigns against rival kingdoms and quelled internal rebellions. His strategic leadership earned him the respect of both his troops and his superiors. Later, political rivalries at court overshadowed his military achievements. Zhu Shouyin died in 927, remembered as one of his era’s notable military figures.

Born in 1127, Uijong ascended the throne in 1146 at the age of nineteen. He supported Confucian scholarship and Buddhist institutions, fostering a vibrant cultural scene. During his reign, powerful military governors gradually increased their influence. In 1170, a coup led by these generals forced Uijong from power and into exile. He died in 1173, his legacy reflecting the shifting dynamics between royal authority and military elites in medieval Korea.

Born into the noble House of Berg in 1186, Engelbert II became Archbishop of Cologne in 1216. He was known for mediating disputes among German princes and advocating church reforms. Engelbert defended ecclesiastical rights and lands against secular encroachment. He was assassinated in 1225 while upholding the interests of his clergy. Canonized shortly thereafter, he is remembered for his dedication to justice and the faith.

Born in 1443, Philip II ascended to the dukedom of Savoy in 1496. Despite his short rule, he worked to strengthen alliances with both France and the Holy Roman Empire. He navigated complex political rivalries to maintain Savoy’s autonomy and strategic position in the Alps. His unexpected death in 1497 cut short plans for further consolidation. Philip’s tenure is remembered for his diplomatic skill during a turbulent period in European politics.

Born in 1484, Jón Arason became Bishop of Hólar in 1524. He was a staunch defender of Catholicism against the spread of Lutheran ideas. Arason also composed poetry that blended religious themes with Icelandic cultural motifs. In 1550, after leading a failed revolt against Protestant authorities, he was captured and executed. His martyrdom made him an enduring symbol of faith and Icelandic identity.

Born in 1503, Jeanne de Jussie joined the Order of Saint Clare in Geneva at a young age. She witnessed the turmoil of the Protestant Reformation as it spread through her city. In her chronicle, she defended Catholic doctrine and provided a vivid account of the convent’s hardships. Her letters and writings remain valuable sources for understanding 16th-century religious conflict in Switzerland. She died in exile in 1561, remembered for her unwavering faith and literary testimony.

Born in 1511, Maldeo Rathore became ruler of Marwar in 1532. Through military campaigns and alliances, he extended his domain across Rajasthan. He successfully resisted Mughal advances during Emperor Humayun’s reign. Under his leadership, Marwar experienced a period of cultural and political flourishing. Maldeo died in 1562, leaving a strengthened dynasty that influenced the region’s history.

Born in 1510, Solomon Luria studied under prominent rabbinic authorities in Poland and Germany. Known by the acronym Maharshal, he authored influential commentaries on the Talmud. His works emphasized rigorous textual analysis and became foundational in Jewish academies. As head of yeshivas, Luria trained many students who spread his scholarly methods across Europe. He died in 1574, leaving a lasting legacy in Jewish religious education.

Richard Davies was born in 1505 and became Bishop of St. Asaph. He studied at Oxford and became known for his mastery of languages and scholarship. Collaborating with William Salesbury, he translated the New Testament into Welsh in 1567. Davies championed the use of Welsh in religious services, contributing to the preservation of Welsh language and culture. He traveled to Europe, engaging with humanist scholars, before returning to Wales. His work laid the foundation for future Welsh Bible translations and fostered literacy among Welsh speakers. Davies died on November 7, 1581, leaving a legacy as a pioneer of Welsh Protestant literature.

Gasparo Tagliacozzi was born in Bologna in 1546 and became a professor of surgery at the University of Bologna. In 1597 he published 'De Curtorum Chirurgia per Insitionem', the first comprehensive treatise on reconstructive surgery. He developed techniques for nasal and facial reconstruction using skin flap procedures, laying the groundwork for modern plastic surgery. Tagliacozzi emphasized anatomical study and meticulous surgical technique. He trained students in his methods and influenced medical practice across Europe. His dedication to patient care and innovation made him a leading figure in Renaissance medicine. Tagliacozzi died on November 7, 1599, leaving a lasting medical legacy.