951day.year

Liu Chengyou

(931 - 951)

Emperor Yin of the Later Han

Emperor Yin of the Later Han
Emperor of the Later Han dynasty from 948 to 951, known posthumously as Emperor Yin.
Liu Chengyou (931–951), also known as Emperor Yin, ascended the throne of the Later Han at age 17 following his father's death. His reign was marked by court factionalism and influential regents, leading to unrest and coups. Attempting to assert his authority, he eliminated powerful ministers but lacked strong support. In 951, he was overthrown in a rebellion led by General Guo Wei, ending the Later Han dynasty. Despite a brief and turbulent rule, his life highlights the volatile politics of the Five Dynasties period.
951 Liu Chengyou Later Han
951day.year

Su Fengji

Chinese official and chancellor

Chinese official and chancellor
Chinese official and chancellor of the Later Han dynasty during the Five Dynasties period.
Su Fengji (died 951) was a Chinese official who served as chancellor of the Later Han dynasty. He rose through the bureaucratic ranks during the turbulent Five Dynasties era, earning a reputation for his legal expertise. As a trusted adviser to the young Emperor Yin, Su Fengji influenced key decisions at court. His political maneuvers and close association with powerful clans made him a pivotal figure in palace intrigues. In the coup of 951, he was deposed and executed after power shifted to rival generals. His career exemplifies the challenges faced by statesmen in a time of dynastic fragmentation.
Su Fengji chancellor
1096day.year

William de St-Calais

Bishop of Durham and chief counsellor of William II of England

Bishop of Durham and chief counsellor of William II of England
Norman bishop of Durham and chief counsellor to King William II of England.
William de St-Calais (died 1096) was a Norman Benedictine monk who became Bishop of Durham in 1080. He served as a close adviser and chief counsellor to King William II (William Rufus), shaping royal policy and administration. Calais played a key role in the development of the English exchequer and ecclesiastical law. He was involved in the investiture controversy, famously refusing to appear before court when summoned by the king. After a trial and brief exile, he reconciled with the crown but died soon after returning to his diocese. His career illustrates the tensions between church autonomy and royal authority in Norman England.
1096 William de St-Calais Durham William II of England
1184day.year

Theodora Komnene

Duchess of Austria, daughter of Andronikos Komnenos

Duchess of Austria daughter of Andronikos Komnenos
Byzantine princess who became Duchess of Austria through marriage.
Theodora Komnene (died 1184) was a Byzantine princess, daughter of the sebastokrator Andronikos Komnenos. She married Duke Henry II Jasomirgott of Austria, enhancing political ties between Byzantium and the Holy Roman Empire. As Duchess of Austria, she played a prominent role in court ceremonies and patronized religious foundations. Her marriage reflected the complex diplomacy of Western and Eastern Christian realms in the 12th century. Theodora's patronage of monastic communities left a lasting cultural legacy in Austria. Her life illustrates the influence of imperial Byzantine bloodlines in European politics.
1184 Theodora Komnene, Duchess of Austria Andronikos Komnenos
1512day.year

Svante Nilsson

(1460 - 1512)

Sweden politician

Sweden politician
Swedish statesman who served as Regent of Sweden in the early 16th century.
Svante Nilsson (c.1460–1512) was a nobleman of the Sture family and Regent of Sweden from 1504. He led resistance against Danish dominance under King Hans and worked to secure Swedish autonomy. During his regency, he navigated rival noble factions and sought to stabilize the kingdom. Svante faced conflicts with both domestic challengers and external threats from the Kalmar Union. He promoted administrative reforms and supported the growth of domestic trade and agriculture. His leadership set the stage for the eventual election of Gustav Vasa and the rise of independent Sweden.
1512 Svante Nilsson
1613day.year

Salima Sultan Begum

(1539 - 1613)

Empress of the Mughal Empire

Empress of the Mughal Empire
Mughal Empress and royal advisor renowned for her intelligence, cultural patronage, and political acumen.
Born a Timurid princess in 1539, Salima Sultan Begum was the granddaughter of Babur, founder of the Mughal Empire. She first married Bairam Khan, regent to the young Emperor Akbar, before becoming Akbar’s consort. Salima played a key role in the imperial court, offering counsel on state matters and religious affairs. A patron of scholars and artists, she contributed to the empire’s cultural flourishing. Her extensive correspondence and memoirs provide valuable insights into Mughal politics and society. Admired for her learning and diplomatic skills, she remained an influential figure until her death in 1613.
1613 Salima Sultan Begum
1763day.year

John Carteret

(1690 - 1763)

2nd Earl Granville, English statesman

2nd Earl Granville English statesman
English statesman who served as Secretary of State and Lord President of the Council under George II.
John Carteret, 2nd Earl Granville, was born in 1690 into an influential aristocratic family. A skilled diplomat, he held key offices including Northern and Southern Secretary of State. Granville adeptly managed foreign policy during the War of the Austrian Succession. Known for his independent streak, he later clashed with Robert Walpole’s administration. As Lord President of the Council, he influenced colonial affairs and domestic politics. His legacy includes Granville’s Act, which shaped early British colonial governance.
1763 John Carteret, 2nd Earl Granville
1850day.year

Manuel de la Peña y Peña

(1789 - 1850)

Mexican lawyer and 20th President

Mexican lawyer and 20th President
Mexican lawyer, judge, and interim President who led peace negotiations during the Mexican–American War.
Born in Mexico City in 1789, Peña y Peña studied law and rose to serve on the Supreme Court. Amid the Mexican–American War, he assumed the presidency in 1847 following the fall of Mexico City. He negotiated the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, bringing an end to the conflict. A respected jurist, he worked to stabilize Mexico’s government during a period of military defeat. Peña’s commitment to legal principles and diplomacy shaped Mexico’s post-war recovery. He remained a prominent figure in Mexican politics until his death in 1850.
1850 Manuel de la Peña y Peña
1861day.year

(1795 - 1861)

Frederick William IV of Prussia

Frederick William IV of Prussia
King of Prussia from 1840 to 1861, noted for his conservative rule and patronage of the arts and architecture.
Born in Berlin in 1795, Frederick William IV ascended the Prussian throne in 1840. He promoted Neo-Gothic architecture and commissioned landmarks like the Cologne Cathedral’s completion. A romanticist at heart, he supported cultural institutions but resisted liberal constitutional reforms. During the 1848 revolutions, he briefly considered a constitutional monarchy but ultimately rejected the popular parliament. Notably, he declined the crown of a unified Germany offered by the Frankfurt Assembly. His reign shaped Prussia’s cultural landscape and set the stage for its later unification under his successor.
1861 Frederick William IV of Prussia
1939day.year

Roman Dmowski

(1864 - 1939)

Polish politician, Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs

Polish politician Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs
Polish politician who co-founded the National Democracy movement and helped secure Poland's post-WWI independence.
Roman Dmowski (1864-1939) was a Polish statesman and co-founder of the National Democracy movement. Born in Kamionek, he became a leading advocate for Polish national unity and cultural revival under foreign rule. Dmowski represented Poland at the 1919 Paris Peace Conference, securing recognition of the Second Polish Republic. He served as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1923 to 1924, working to stabilize the new nation's borders. Known for his conservative and nationalist views, he greatly influenced interwar Polish politics. Although his ideology remains controversial, Dmowski's diplomatic efforts were crucial in re-establishing Poland's independence. He died on January 2, 1939.
1939 Roman Dmowski Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs
1946day.year

Joe Darling

(1870 - 1946)

Australian cricketer and politician

Australian cricketer and politician
Australian cricketer and politician who captained the national Test team and later served in Tasmanian politics.
Joe Darling (1870-1946) was an Australian cricketer and politician who captained the national Test team and later served in Tasmanian politics. Born in Kenton, Tasmania, he was known for his solid technique as an opening batsman and strategic acumen as a leader. Under his captaincy, Australia won the Ashes series in England in 1899 and 1902. After retiring from sport, Darling entered politics, representing Tasmania and advocating for rural development and athletic programs. His dual legacy in cricket and public service made him a prominent figure in Australian history. Darling passed away on January 2, 1946.
1946 Joe Darling
1950day.year

James Dooley

(1877 - 1950)

Irish-Australian politician, 21st Premier of New South Wales

Irish-Australian politician 21st Premier of New South Wales
Irish-Australian politician and labor leader who served twice as Premier of New South Wales.
James Dooley (1877-1950) was an Irish-Australian politician and labor leader who served twice as Premier of New South Wales. Born in Young, NSW, he began his career as a miner and union organizer, championing workers' rights in the coal industry. Elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1913, he rose to party leadership and first became Premier in 1921. Dooley's administrations prioritized social welfare, education, and infrastructure to support post-World War I recovery. Although his second term was brief, he enacted policies that improved public services and labor conditions. A dedicated advocate for the working class, Dooley remained active in politics until his death on January 2, 1950.
1950 James Dooley Premier of New South Wales