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 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 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 1648, Charles Duncombe built a prosperous banking career in London. He contributed to city finance during the Restoration period and helped stabilize currency circulation. Elected to the English Parliament, he advocated for economic reforms and represented several constituencies. Duncombe also served as Lord Mayor of London, overseeing civic projects. He died in 1711, remembered for his financial acumen and public service.

Edward Law was born in 1750 and rose to prominence as a barrister known for his eloquence. He was appointed Lord Chief Justice of the King’s Bench and presided over landmark cases shaping English law. In 1805, he became Governor-General of India, where he oversaw administrative reforms and the expansion of British influence. Later ennobled as Baron Ellenborough, he continued to influence legal and political affairs in Britain. His tenure in both judicial and colonial roles left a lasting impact on British institutions.

James McHenry was born in Ireland in 1753 and emigrated to America as a young man. He studied medicine and served as a surgeon in the Continental Army during the American Revolution. McHenry later represented Maryland at the Constitutional Convention and signed the United States Constitution. Under Presidents Washington and Adams, he served as Secretary of War and oversaw the early defense of the young republic. Fort McHenry in Baltimore, remembered for its role in the War of 1812, was named in his honor.

Born in 1774, Georg von Cancrin began his career in the Russian civil service. He became Minister of Finance of the Russian Empire and served from 1823 to 1844. During his tenure, he introduced fiscal reforms that stabilized the imperial budget and promoted industrial development. He implemented modern accounting practices and supported major infrastructure projects. His policies emphasized economic growth and financial discipline, leaving a lasting impact on the empire's administration. He retired in 1844 and died the following year, in 1845.

Born in 1811, John Bright emerged as a leading Radical statesman and campaigner for free trade. He co-founded the Anti–Corn Law League in 1839 and delivered powerful speeches calling for the repeal of the Corn Laws. Bright served as Member of Parliament for Manchester and later Birmingham, advocating parliamentary reform and civil liberties. He held office as President of the Board of Trade and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster under William Ewart Gladstone. Celebrated for his eloquence and moral conviction, he was nicknamed 'The Orator of the People'. Bright's efforts significantly shaped Victorian political reform. He died in 1889.