November 28

Born around 980, Adalbero inherited the ducal title in Carinthia, overseeing its administration under the Holy Roman Emperor. His tenure was marked by the maintenance of feudal relations with local nobles and defense of the Alpine territories. Although historical records provide few details of his specific policies, dukes like Adalbero were crucial in asserting imperial authority in frontier regions. He died in 1039, passing the duchy to his successors.

As a member of the Otakar dynasty, Ottokar II ruled the March of Styria until his death in 1122. He oversaw the establishment of defensive fortifications and promoted settlement to secure the empire’s eastern borders. Ottokar fostered relations with neighboring Bavaria and supported the growth of local markets. His leadership laid the groundwork for Styria’s later elevation to a duchy within the Holy Roman Empire.

Born around 1080, Owain ap Gruffudd became King of Gwynedd in 1137 and forged one of the most powerful Welsh principalities. He successfully resisted Norman encroachment, expanding his territory and consolidating Welsh power. A patron of Welsh culture and law, Owain presided over a flourishing court at Aberffraw. His reign is celebrated as a high point in medieval Welsh independence, lasting until his death in 1170.

Born in 1241, Eleanor was the daughter of Ferdinand III of Castile and became Queen of England upon her marriage to Edward in 1254. She accompanied him on the Ninth Crusade and managed royal estates during his absences. Eleanor’s death in 1290 deeply moved Edward, who commemorated her memory with the famous Eleanor Crosses. She was known for her patronage of religious houses and support of charitable works. Her legacy endures in English cultural history.

Born in 1475 as the son of George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence, Edward held a strong claim to the English throne. Following his uncle Richard III’s defeat, he was imprisoned by Henry VII to neutralize Yorkist opposition. Held in the Tower of London for most of his life, Edward was executed in 1499 at age 23. His death extinguished the senior line of the House of York and secured Tudor rule. He is remembered as a tragic figure caught in dynastic conflict.

Basil Feilding, 2nd Earl of Denbigh (1608–1675), began his career as a Parliamentarian cavalry leader. He fought in key battles early in the First English Civil War, demonstrating tactical skill and leadership. After brief exile, he negotiated on behalf of Charles II, serving as a diplomat in Rome and Madrid. Feilding's political career blended military service with negotiation, reflecting the turbulence of 17th-century England. His legacy lies in his adaptability during shifting allegiances and his contributions to early modern diplomacy.

Louis de Buade de Frontenac was appointed Governor General of New France in 1672 and again in 1689, steering the colony through conflicts with English and Indigenous nations. A skilled military commander, he fortified Quebec and directed expeditions deep into the continent, expanding French influence. Known for his fiery temper and often tense relations with colonial officials, he navigated political rivalries in both North America and France. During his long tenure, he promoted the fur trade, negotiated with Indigenous allies, and sought to strengthen the colony’s defenses. Frontenac’s leadership left a lasting impact on the development of New France and its identity in the Atlantic world.

Naungdawgyi ascended the throne of Burma in 1760 following the death of his father, King Alaungpaya. His three-year reign was marked by efforts to stabilize the kingdom after rapid expansion and internal revolts. He faced several uprisings in newly conquered territories and worked to secure loyalty among Shan states. Although his time on the throne was brief, Naungdawgyi maintained the structures his father put in place and upheld the dynasty’s military campaigns. His rule set the stage for subsequent kings of the Konbaung dynasty to continue Burmese consolidation and territorial ambitions.

William Whipple served as a militia officer during the American Revolution and rose to the rank of brigadier general. A delegate to the Continental Congress, he signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 as a representative of New Hampshire. After the war, he held various public offices, including judge and naval officer, and continued to influence the young republic’s political landscape. Whipple was also known for his humanitarian views, particularly his condemnation of slavery, a stance that was unusual among his contemporaries. His legacy endures as one of the Founding Fathers who helped shape the United States’ early governance.

Sir James Tylney-Long inherited the title of 7th Baronet in 1771, representing one of England’s landed families. He was involved in local and national politics, navigating the social expectations of the British aristocracy. Though not widely known for legislative achievements, his status reflected the intertwining of hereditary privilege and governance in 18th-century Britain. Tylney-Long managed his estates and fulfilled civic duties as a member of the gentry, embodying the responsibilities of a baronet during a time of political change. His life offers insight into the role of minor nobility in Georgian society.

Ludger Duvernay founded the newspaper La Minerve in 1826, using its pages to advocate for responsible government and French-Canadian rights. His fearless editorials often brought him into conflict with colonial authorities, leading to periods of exile. Duvernay also helped establish the Société Saint-Jean-Baptiste, fostering French-Canadian identity and culture. Elected to legislative assemblies, he combined journalism with politics to shape public opinion. His tireless efforts laid groundwork for modern Canadian media and the democratic ideals in Quebec society.

Emmanuil Xanthos co-established Filiki Eteria in 1814, aiming to liberate Greece from Ottoman rule through covert organization and fundraising. He traveled across Europe, securing support from diaspora communities and planning revolutionary activities. Xanthos worked alongside key figures like Nikolaos Skoufas and Athanasios Tsakalov to recruit leaders and coordinate uprisings. His efforts culminated in the Greek War of Independence in 1821, which eventually led to Greece’s sovereign state. Despite facing constant danger, he remained dedicated to the cause, becoming a symbol of Greek nationalism and perseverance.