November 22

Felix II served as an antipope from 355 until his death in 365. He was installed by the Arian emperor Constantius II following the exile of Pope Liberius. During his tenure, he led an alternative ecclesiastical hierarchy in Rome amidst the Arian controversy. His legacy was later deemed illegitimate when Liberius was restored as the sole pope. Felix II remains a notable figure in early Church history for his role in theological disputes.

Born in 926 as the son of Hugh of Provence and Alda of Lorraine. He became King of Italy in 947 and was crowned by Pope Agapetus II. His reign was marked by conflicts with local nobles and struggles to maintain royal authority. Lothair's rule ended with his sudden death in 950 under mysterious circumstances. He was succeeded by Berengar II, leading to further fragmentation of Italy.

As-Salih Ayyub was the son of Sultan Al-Kamil who became ruler of Egypt in 1240. He navigated the complex politics of the Ayyubid territories and faced the emerging Crusader threat. He strengthened the administrative structures of Egypt and supported cultural patronage. His reign witnessed tensions with Crusader states and internal family rivalries over succession. He died in 1249, leaving Egypt to his successors and shaping the medieval history of the region.

Born in 1249 as the son of King Christopher I and Margaret Sambiria. Eric ascended the throne as a minor and initially ruled under the regency of his mother. He earned the nickname 'Klipping' (meaning coin edge) possibly referring to clipped currency. His reign was challenged by powerful noble factions and internal unrest. Eric V's rule ended when he was murdered in 1286, a crime that remains unsolved.

Born in 1271, Mikhail inherited the principality of Tver and sought supremacy over the lands of Rus. He engaged in a fierce rivalry with Yaroslav of Moscow for the title of Grand Prince. In an attempt to outmaneuver his rival, he traveled to the Golden Horde's court in Sarai. Accused of treason by his enemies, he was executed by the Mongol khan in 1318. Mikhail became a martyr-like figure in Tver's regional history.

John Lambert was an English reformer known for his passionate advocacy of Protestant beliefs. He served as a preacher and tutor, promoting the doctrine of justification by faith. In 1538, he was condemned for heresy and burned at the stake on orders of Thomas Cromwell. His death was recorded in John Foxe's Book of Martyrs, preserving his memory. Lambert is remembered as a symbol of the English Reformation.

Born in 1590, Ahmed I ascended the throne following the death of his father, Mehmed III. He brought an end to the long war with the Habsburgs and negotiated peace with the Safavids. Ahmed commissioned the construction of the famous Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) in Istanbul. His reign is noted for attempts at administrative reform and stabilization of the empire. He died in 1617, leaving behind a legacy of cultural and architectural achievements.

Born in 1630, John Tillotson was educated at Clare Hall, Cambridge. He served as chaplain to King Charles II and earned a reputation for balanced sermons. Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 1691, he advocated a latitudinarian approach to church doctrine. Tillotson emphasized moral living and practical religion over ritualistic practices. He died in 1694, leaving influence on the Church of England and Enlightenment thought.

Libéral Bruant was a leading 17th-century architect who studied at the Académie Royale. He was appointed premier architect of the Hôtel des Invalides by Louis XIV. Bruant designed the distinctive façade and chapel of Les Invalides, blending classical and Baroque motifs. His work influenced subsequent generations of French architects and urban planners. He died in 1697, leaving a lasting mark on Paris's architectural heritage.

Born Edward Teach (or Thatch) around 1680, Blackbeard became one of the most notorious pirates of the Golden Age. He commanded the ship Queen Anne's Revenge and blockaded the port of Charleston in 1718. Known for his imposing appearance, he tied slow-burning fuses into his beard during battle. Blackbeard was killed in a fierce fight with Lieutenant Robert Maynard off the coast of North Carolina. His legend continues to captivate popular culture and pirate lore.

Richard Edgcumbe, 1st Baron Edgcumbe, was born in 1680 to a prominent Cornish family. He entered public service and was elevated to the peerage in 1742. As Lord Lieutenant of Cornwall, he acted as the Crown's chief representative in the county, overseeing local militias and administrative affairs. A skilled politician, he balanced local interests with national policies during the reigns of George I and George II. He managed extensive estates at Mount Edgcumbe, developing the gardens that remain to this day. Known for his diplomatic skills and commitment to regional development, he fostered trade and infrastructure improvements in Cornwall. His legacy endures in the landmarks and institutions he supported, reflecting his role in shaping 18th century British governance.

Robert Clive, known as Clive of India, was born in 1725 in Shropshire, England. Beginning his career with the East India Company as a clerk, he quickly rose through the ranks due to his military prowess. He led Company forces to victory at the Battle of Plassey in 1757, laying the foundations for British rule in Bengal and beyond. Appointed the first British governor of Bengal in 1765, he reorganized administration and finances to strengthen Company control. His tenure saw dramatic expansion of British influence, though it was marred by accusations of corruption and private gain. Clive faced a parliamentary inquiry upon his return to England, ultimately retaining his reputation but showing signs of strain. Despite his achievements, his final years were troubled by ill health and political attacks. He died on November 22, 1774, leaving a complex legacy as both a founding figure of the British Raj and a controversial imperialist.