November 16

Born as Tiberius Claudius Nero in 42 BC, adopted son of Augustus. One of the first members of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. He oversaw the expansion of Rome's frontiers in Germany and central Europe. Faced internal political intrigue and growing unpopularity at court. Retired to Capri in his later years, entrusting power to his praetorian prefect. Died in AD 37, succeeded by his great-nephew Caligula.

Born into the prominent Loredan family in 1436. Elected Doge of Venice in 1501 after a long political career. Steered the republic through conflicts such as the War of the League of Cambrai. Implemented financial and naval reforms to strengthen Venice's power. Remembered for his diplomatic skill and patronage of the arts. Died in 1521, leaving a legacy of relative stability.

Born in Naples in 1457 to King Ferdinand I of Naples. Married King Matthias Corvinus of Hungary in 1476, becoming queen consort. Known for her cultural influence, she brought Italian Renaissance ideas to the Hungarian court. Patronized artists and scholars, supporting the spread of humanism. After Matthias's death, she returned to Naples and continued to wield influence. Died in 1508, remembered for her role in fostering artistic exchange.

Born in Florence in 1466 into a family of prominent humanists. Grandson of the influential scholar Marsilio Ficino. Held lectures at the Platonic Academy and at the University of Pisa. Wrote commentaries on Plato and original philosophical treatises. Contributed to the spread of Neoplatonic thought during the Italian Renaissance. Died in 1522, leaving a modest but respected body of work.

Born Elisabeth of the Palatinate in 1483 to Elector Philip of the Palatinate. Married Landgrave William II of Hesse in 1503, becoming Landgravine. Managed her husband's court and estates during his frequent military campaigns. Supported educational and religious reforms at the dawn of the Reformation. Patron of churches and charitable institutions in Hesse. Died in 1522, remembered for her leadership and piety.

Born in 1528 as the daughter of King Henry II of Navarre. Succeeded her mother as Queen of Navarre in 1555. Converted to Calvinism and became a leading figure of the French Protestants. Reformed her kingdom's institutions along Protestant lines. Mother of Henry IV of France, whom she prepared for the throne. Died in 1572, shortly before the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre.

Born in 1531 to the powerful Este family of Ferrara and the French royal line. Married Francis, Duke of Guise, aligning herself with one of France's most influential houses. Active in the court of Henry III of France and involved in diplomatic affairs. Known for her patronage of the arts and maintenance of elegant literary salons. Lived through the turbulent Wars of Religion, navigating shifting alliances. Died in 1607, remembered for her grace and political acumen.

Born in Mayorga, Spain, in 1538. Ordained a priest and later appointed Grand Inquisitor in Peru before becoming Archbishop of Lima in 1580. Embarked on arduous pastoral journeys, often traveling by mule across the Andes. Advocated for the spiritual and legal protection of indigenous peoples. Established seminaries and oversaw the construction of churches and schools. Canonized as a saint; his feast day is celebrated on April 27.

Born in Stockholm in 1540, daughter of King Gustav I of Sweden. Traveled to England and Germany, engaging in high-level diplomatic missions. Famous for hosting extravagant entertainments and her lively personality. Alleged involvement in scandals and secret love affairs at various European courts. Maintained influence through correspondence and political alliances. Died in 1627, remembered for her adventurous spirit.

Born in 1569, Paul Sartorius became a leading organist at the courts of late Renaissance Germany. He composed a variety of keyboard pieces blending Italianate styles with German contrapuntal tradition. His works were included in prominent musical anthologies of the period. Sartorius contributed to the development of the North German organ school and influenced later composers. He died in 1609 after a distinguished musical career.

Born in 1603, Augustyn Kordecki entered the Pauline Order and rose to become prior of Jasna Góra. In 1655, he famously organized the defense of the monastery against a Swedish siege, preserving its religious treasures. His leadership bolstered Polish morale during the Deluge. Kordecki later wrote detailed accounts of the siege that became important historical sources. He passed away in 1673, leaving a legacy of courage and faith.