November 09

He was the son of King Gwangjong and ascended the throne in 975 at age 20. His reign saw struggles between the monarchy and powerful aristocratic clans. Despite political turmoil, he maintained the continuity of the Goryeo dynasty. He presided over Buddhist cultural patronage during a formative period in Korean history. He died in 981 and was succeeded by King Seongjong.

He inherited the marquisate at age 10 and ruled Ferrara for nearly half a century. He consolidated his family's territories in northern Italy, including Modena and Reggio. Niccolò maintained alliances through strategic marriages and diplomacy. He was a notable patron of the arts, supporting early Renaissance painters and scholars. Under his rule, Ferrara became a cultural center that foreshadowed the splendors of later Renaissance courts.

Daughter of King Charles VI of France, she married Richard II of England at age 6 in 1396. Her short reign as queen consort ended with Richard's deposition in 1399, after which she returned to France. Isabella later married Charles, Duke of Orléans, strengthening Valois family ties. Despite her youth, she navigated complex political shifts between England and France. She died in 1409 at age 20, remembered for her diplomatic marriages amid the Hundred Years' War.

Born into the House of Hohenzollern, he became Elector of Brandenburg in 1471. He also ruled as Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, expanding his family's influence. Albrecht faced internal challenges and managed to strengthen electoral authority. He supported imperial policies of the Holy Roman Empire under Frederick III. His careful governance laid foundations for the rise of Brandenburg-Prussia in later centuries.

He succeeded his father in 1475 and ruled the territory of Siegen in modern-day Germany. John V maintained Nassau influence through alliances and prudent administration. He engaged in local conflicts and diplomacy amid the changing landscape of the Holy Roman Empire. His descendants became key figures in European dynastic politics, including the Dutch royal line. He died in 1516, leaving a legacy of stability that benefited his heirs.

Charles II inherited the Duchy of Guelders and became count of Zutphen in 1492. He fought to preserve his territories against expansionist ambitions of the Habsburgs. During his reign, Guelders became a focal point of regional conflicts in the Low Countries. He secured alliances with France to bolster his duchy's position in European politics. He died in 1538, remembered for his tenacious defense of Guelders' autonomy.

Born alongside her twin brother Charles II, she became Duchess consort of Cleves through marriage. Philippa played a key diplomatic role, forging ties between Guelders and neighboring states. She managed court affairs and supported charitable and religious endeavors. Her marriage to Duke John I of Cleves linked two important ducal families in the Rhineland. She lived through major political shifts and died in 1547, leaving a lasting legacy in regional history.

He studied under prominent reformers and became one of Martin Luther's foremost successors. Chemnitz co-authored the Formula of Concord, shaping Lutheran doctrine after Luther's death. He served as a pastor and professor, defending Protestant beliefs against Catholic critiques. His extensive writings on theology earned him the title "Second Martin" among Lutheran scholars. He died in 1586, leaving a lasting influence on Lutheran orthodoxy across Germany and Scandinavia.

He succeeded his father in 1581 as the third king of Taungoo Burma. His reign saw both the peak and the beginning of the decline of the empire's power. Faced with rebellions and foreign invasions, he struggled to maintain territorial integrity. He attempted administrative reforms but could not prevent fragmentation of his realm. He died around 1600, marking a turning point that led to the eventual fall of the first Taungoo Empire.

A graduate of the University of Leiden, he practiced medicine in the Dutch Republic. Narssius published collections of Latin poetry that contributed to the Neo-Latin literary movement. He balanced his medical career with scholarly pursuits, corresponding with European intellectuals. His verse often explored themes of nature, philosophy, and human experience. He died in 1637, remembered for merging scientific insight with poetic expression.

Born in 1606, Conring studied medicine and law across Europe before becoming a professor at the University of Helmstedt. He authored numerous treatises on natural law, legal history, and the philosophy of science. His work 'Elementa Jurisprudentiae Germanicae' influenced generations of legal scholars. Conring is remembered as a pioneer who bridged medicine, law, and philosophy. He served as an academic for over forty years, shaping the intellectual landscape of his era. He passed away in 1681, leaving a legacy as a key figure in early modern scholarship.

Born in 1664, Speth spent much of his career in Augsburg, serving as an organist at local churches. In 1693 he published 'Ars Magna Consoni et Dissoni', a seminal work that showcased the stylistic innovations of German organ composition. His music blends intricate counterpoint with expressive harmonies characteristic of the late Baroque. Though only one collection of his works survives, its impact was felt by subsequent generations of organists. Speth’s compositions remain valued for their technical brilliance and musical depth. He died in 1719, leaving a concise yet enduring musical legacy.