November 20

Marcus Aurelius Numerianus was the younger son of Emperor Carus and served as Roman emperor from November 284 until his mysterious death in March 285. He continued campaigns against the Sassanid Persians and enacted reforms to stabilize the imperial economy. His rule was overshadowed by his elder brother Carinus and he is chiefly known today through surviving coinage bearing his image. Numerian's sudden demise, reportedly due to an eye infection, led to Diocletian's rise to power. Though his reign was short, he remains a figure of intrigue in late Roman imperial history.

Domnall Midi reigned as High King of Ireland from 763 until his death later that year. A prominent leader of the southern Uí Néill dynasty, he strengthened royal authority through alliances and military victories over rival kings. His rule marked a period of consolidation for the kingdom of Mide and increased interaction with monastic centers. Remembered in annals for both his political acumen and his patronage of the Church, Domnall's legacy influenced subsequent Irish kingship. His sudden death in battle led to renewed power struggles among the Uí Néill.

Li Fan served as chancellor under Emperor Xianzong of the Tang dynasty from 806 until his death in 811. He advocated for stronger central control, fiscal responsibility, and merit-based appointments in the imperial bureaucracy. His tenure saw efforts to curb corruption and improve the legal code, earning respect among scholars and officials. Despite factional opposition, Li implemented policies that stabilized provincial governance. Today he is remembered as a capable statesman who sought to revive the golden age of Tang administration.

Theoktistos was a powerful Byzantine courtier and head of the emperor's private council under Michael III. As logothetes tou dromou (chief minister), he effectively governed the empire during the emperor's minority. He oversaw military campaigns against Arab forces and internal administrative reforms. His influence peaked in the years leading up to the reign of Basil I, whom Theoktistos initially supported before falling from favor. His political maneuvering shaped the course of mid-Byzantine history, reflecting the complex dynamics of imperial power.

Edmund ruled the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of East Anglia from around 855 until his martyrdom in 869. Legend recounts that he refused to renounce his Christian faith when captured by Viking invaders, leading to his execution by arrows. His martyrdom inspired widespread veneration, and his tomb became a pilgrimage site at Bury St Edmunds. Celebrated for his piety and courage, Edmund is remembered as one of the patron saints of England, symbolizing steadfast faith and resistance to invaders.

Xu Wen rose from military commander to de facto ruler of the Yang Wu state in southern China during the early 10th century. After the collapse of the Tang dynasty, he maneuvered to control the throne, installing puppet rulers while maintaining real power as regent. He organized provincial administration and defended his territories against rival states. His governance laid the foundation for the Wu regime's prosperity and stability. Xu's life exemplifies the era's tumultuous politics and the rise of military strongmen.

Richard I, known as Richard the Fearless, inherited the duchy of Normandy as a child and ruled for over five decades. He secured the duchy's borders through strategic marriages and treaties, including alliances with the French crown and neighboring lords. Under his leadership, Normandy emerged as a stable and powerful region, setting the stage for his descendants' future conquests. He also fostered monastic reform and supported religious institutions. Richard's tenure laid the groundwork for Normandy's golden age and the eventual Norman conquest of England.

Geoffrey I, Duke of Brittany and Count of Rennes, ruled from 992 until his death in 1008. He negotiated alliances with both the Frankish and local Breton nobility to secure his duchy's independence. Geoffrey maintained relations with the Norman dukes and expanded his influence through marriage ties. He supported ecclesiastical establishments and fortified key towns against external threats. His reign marked a consolidation of Breton unity and laid the foundations for Brittany's distinct identity within medieval France.

Bernward served as Bishop of Hildesheim from 993 until his death in 1022, commissioning iconic works such as the bronze doors and the Bernward Column. A scholar and artist, he oversaw the construction of St. Michael's Church, a masterpiece of Ottonian architecture. He promoted learning and monastic reform, attracting scholars to his diocese. Bernward's artistic vision bridged classical and medieval traditions, leaving a lasting cultural legacy. He was canonized in 1193 and remains one of the most celebrated medieval bishop-artists.

Little is known of Albert II's personal deeds, but as a member of the German high nobility, he would have managed estates, administered justice, and upheld feudal duties to the emperor. His role required balancing alliances with neighboring lords and maintaining loyal military contingents. This period saw significant political shifts within the Holy Roman Empire, and nobles like Albert were key actors in regional governance. Though his actions remain largely undocumented, his status highlights the everyday realities of medieval aristocracy.

John I was born to Louis X and Clementia of Hungary in November 1316. Known as John the Posthumous because he was born five months after his father's death. He legally succeeded his father as King of France and Navarre immediately upon birth. His reign lasted only five days before he died, likely from natural causes. His death triggered a dynastic crisis that brought the House of Capet to an end. The crown passed to his uncle, Philip V, under the Salic law. Despite his brief life, John I's death had long-lasting effects on French succession.

Born into the Luxembourg dynasty, Elisabeth was the daughter of John Henry, Margrave of Moravia. She married William I, Margrave of Meissen, becoming Margravine of Meissen and strengthening regional ties. As Margravine, she held a prominent position in the court of the Holy Roman Empire. Her marriage exemplified the dynastic alliances of Central Europe in the late 14th century. Though few records survive of her personal achievements, her role underscored the political influence of noblewomen. Elisabeth passed away in 1400, leaving a legacy of alliance and courtly impact in Meissen.