December 14

Originally a general under his father Xue Ju, Xue Rengao proclaimed himself emperor of Qin in 618 amid widespread rebellion. He sought to consolidate power in northwestern China but faced stiff resistance from rival warlords and the emerging Tang forces. Despite valiant defenses, his reign lasted only months before his defeat by Li Shimin’s army. His death marked the swift end of the Qin state and opened the path for the Tang Dynasty’s ascendancy. Xue Rengao is remembered for his bold but ultimately doomed attempt to seize imperial authority.

Son of King Oswiu, Aldfrith spent his early years in exile in Ireland, acquiring a deep knowledge of literature and theology. He ascended the throne of Northumbria in 685 and ruled until his death in 704. His reign saw a cultural revival, with monasteries emerging as centers of learning. A patron of scholars, he encouraged the production of illuminated manuscripts and religious texts. Aldfrith’s legacy endures as a defining figure of the Northumbrian Golden Age.

Born around 1025 into the powerful Poitou family, Agnes married Emperor Henry III in 1043. She became empress consort and took an active role in church reform and imperial administration. After Henry III’s death in 1056, she served as regent for the young Henry IV, quelling rebellions and negotiating with the papacy. Agnes balanced noble factions and external threats, leaving a period of relative stability. She retired to religious life after her regency and died in 1077, remembered for her political acumen and piety.

Born into the Bahri Mamluk dynasty, Khalil ascended the throne in 1290 after his father Qalawun's death. He achieved his greatest victory with the 1291 Siege of Acre, ending Crusader rule in the Holy Land. Khalil also campaigned against the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia and reinforced Mamluk dominance in Syria. His reign was cut short by court intrigues, culminating in his assassination in 1293. He is celebrated for his military prowess and the unification of Egypt and Syria under Mamluk rule.

Born in 1276 into the ducal house of Brabant, Margaret married King Henry of Germany in 1292. As queen consort, she played a diplomatic role in imperial politics and fostered ties between noble families. She was known for her piety and generosity, founding hospitals and supporting convents. Margaret acted as regent in the Low Countries during her husband’s absences, administering Holland and Zeeland. Her death in 1311 marked the end of a reign remembered for its benevolent and devout character.

Born in 1326 as a member of the imperial Borjigin clan, Rinchinbal Khan ascended the throne in 1332. At just six years old, his accession was driven by court power struggles between rival factions. His brief two-month reign ended with his sudden death, intensifying dynastic conflicts in the Yuan court. Rinchinbal’s passing paved the way for the enthronement of his cousin, Toghon Temür. He remains a symbol of the turbulent politics that marked the late Yuan period.

Born in 1332 into the powerful della Scala family, Cangrande II took control of Verona in 1351. His administration was marked by heavy taxation to fund military campaigns and urban fortifications. He engaged in ongoing disputes with the Visconti of Milan and other Italian city-states. Despite his harsh methods, he patronized artists and oversaw construction projects in Verona. In 1359, he was assassinated in a noble conspiracy, ending his turbulent and contested reign.

Sten Sture the Elder (1440–1503) was a pivotal leader in Sweden's struggle for autonomy. As regent from 1470, he defended Sweden against Danish supremacy, most notably at the Battle of Brunkeberg in 1471. His diplomatic and military skills strengthened the Swedish nobility's position within the Kalmar Union. Sture fostered economic growth and cultural development, supporting reforms and urban expansion. His alliance-building and governance set precedents for Swedish self-rule. Remembered as a national hero, his legacy influenced subsequent Swedish monarchy and identity.

James V (1512–1542) ascended the Scottish throne as an infant and ruled from 1513 until his death. He sought to strengthen royal authority, facing noble rebellions and tensions with England. A patron of the Renaissance, he supported poets, musicians, and builders, enriching Scottish culture. James led campaigns to defend Scotland's borders, though with mixed military success. His marriage alliances with France reinforced the Auld Alliance against England. James's unexpected death following the Battle of Solway Moss left his infant daughter Mary as heir.

Henry Hastings (1535–1595), 3rd Earl of Huntingdon, was a prominent English noble and statesman. He held key offices including President of the Council of the North and Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire. A staunch Protestant, Hastings supported religious reforms under Elizabeth I's reign. Renowned for his patronage, he fostered local arts and education in northern England. Despite a potential claim to the throne, he remained loyal to Elizabeth I and avoided factional disputes. His leadership helped stabilize border regions during turbulent religious times.

Charles Howard (1536–1624), 1st Earl of Nottingham, was a leading naval commander under Elizabeth I. As Lord High Admiral, he orchestrated England's defense against the Spanish Armada in 1588. His innovative tactics and leadership secured a pivotal victory that shaped European naval power. Beyond his naval career, he served as First Lord of the Admiralty and on the Privy Council. Howard also supported exploratory voyages, contributing to England's maritime expansion. Revered as a national hero, he helped establish England as a dominant seafaring nation.