November 11

Henry IV (1050–1106) was the Holy Roman Emperor from 1084 until his death. Born into the Salian dynasty, he became king of Germany at age five. He clashed with Pope Gregory VII over lay investiture, leading to his excommunication and the iconic Walk to Canossa in 1077. Despite papal opposition, he maintained control over his realm and fended off noble revolts. His reign marked a pivotal moment in the struggle between church and state in medieval Europe. He died in 1106, leaving a complex legacy of imperial authority and conflict with the church.

Sancho I (1154–1212), nicknamed the Populator, ruled as King of Portugal from 1185 to 1211. He expanded Portuguese territory by encouraging settlement of frontier regions. He founded numerous towns, boosting agriculture and trade across his realm. A patron of the arts, he commissioned castles and monastic institutions to secure his borders. His reign consolidated Portuguese independence and laid groundwork for future maritime exploration. He abdicated in favor of his son, Afonso II, and died shortly after.

Alfonso VIII (1155–1214) reigned as King of Castile from 1158 to 1214. He strengthened royal authority and reformed the administration of his kingdom. In 1212, he forged a crusading alliance and decisively defeated the Almohad Caliphate at Las Navas de Tolosa. This victory opened Andalusia to Christian kingdoms and shifted the balance of power in the Reconquista. A patron of literature and learning, he supported scholars and translated Arabic works into Latin. His long reign brought stability and expansion to Castile, shaping medieval Spain.

Alphonse of Poitiers (1220–1271) was the youngest son of King Louis VIII of France and Blanche of Castile. He governed the counties of Poitiers and Toulouse, administering them with councils of nobles and scholars. A skilled diplomat, he negotiated treaties and maintained peace with neighboring realms. He established institutions of justice and supported the arts by inviting troubadours and poets to his court. His marriage to Joan of Toulouse brought that territory into the French royal domain. He died childless, returning his lands to the crown and contributing to the consolidation of French territory.

Jošt of Rožmberk (1430–1467) was a member of the powerful Rožmberk family in Bohemia. He served as Bishop of Breslau (present-day Wrocław), overseeing the diocese amid post-Hussite disruptions. He worked to restore church discipline and rebuild ecclesiastical structures damaged by the Hussite Wars. A patron of letters and art, he commissioned the construction of churches and supported local scholars. He negotiated between secular rulers and church authorities to maintain stability in Silesia. He died in office, remembered for his efforts to reconcile religious factions and strengthen his diocese.

Charlotte of Savoy (1441–1483) was daughter of Louis, Duke of Savoy, and Amadeus VIII. She married King Louis XI of France in 1451 and became queen consort at the age of ten. She was known for her devout faith, supporting monastic orders and sponsoring religious foundations. Despite her youth, she managed her own household and estates, demonstrating administrative skill. She maintained correspondence with leading intellectuals and religious figures of her time. After her husband's death, she retired to her dower lands and continued her patronage until her death in 1483.

Catherine of Poděbrady (1449–1464) was the eldest daughter of King George of Poděbrady of Bohemia. In 1463, she married King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary, becoming queen consort at age fourteen. Her marriage forged an alliance between Bohemia and Hungary during a time of regional tension. Known for her gentle demeanor, she supported charitable institutions and religious houses. She died unexpectedly at the age of fifteen, leaving no children and inspiring mourning at the Hungarian court.

Martin Bucer (1491–1551) was a key figure in the Protestant Reformation, primarily active in Strasbourg. Originally an Augustinian friar, he broke with the Catholic Church and embraced evangelical doctrines. He worked to mediate between Lutherans and Zwinglians, promoting unity among Protestant factions. His writings on church discipline and liturgy shaped practices in England and Geneva. After being expelled from Strasbourg, he served as a mentor to John Calvin in Geneva. His moderate views and emphasis on church organization left a lasting impact on Reformed Christianity.

Paracelsus (1493–1541), born Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim, was a Renaissance physician and alchemist. He rejected the medical teachings of Galen and Avicenna, advocating for observation-based practice. He introduced the use of minerals and chemicals in treatments, laying the groundwork for toxicology. Paracelsus also practiced astrology and wrote extensively on occult philosophy. His bold ideas on disease, dosage, and organ-specific treatments transformed early modern medicine. Despite controversy during his lifetime, his principles influenced generations of physicians.

Marcin Kromer (1512–1589) was a Polish bishop, diplomat, and historian born in Sandomierz. He served as Prince-Bishop of Warmia, overseeing church administration and education. Kromer represented the Polish crown on diplomatic missions to Rome and other European courts. He authored "Polonia", a landmark work on Polish geography, history, and culture. A humanist scholar, he promoted learning in Latin and supported the founding of schools. His writings remain valuable sources for understanding 16th-century Poland and the Catholic Church.

Martin Ruland the Younger (1569–1611) was a German physician and chemist who carried on the alchemical traditions of his father. He wrote extensively on the properties of metals and chemical processes, seeking to transform substances and develop new remedies. His principal work Curationum Pharmacologicarum compiled medicinal uses of compounds. Ruland's research bridged the gap between mystical alchemy and emerging empirical chemistry. His methodological approach influenced later scientists in the gradual shift toward modern pharmacology. Through his compilations and treatises, he helped standardize chemical knowledge across Europe.

Frans Snyders (1579–1657) was a key figure in the development of Flemish Baroque painting, specializing in vibrant still lifes and lively animal compositions. A close collaborator of Peter Paul Rubens, he brought unmatched realism and energy to depictions of game, fish, and domestic animals. Snyders's detailed textures and dramatic arrangements set a new standard for still-life art in the 17th century. His workshop in Antwerp attracted numerous pupils and commissions from European nobility. Works such as his market scenes and hunting pieces remain prized for their vivid coloration and expert handling of light. Snyders's influence extended across Europe, shaping the genre of animal painting for generations.