February 12

Empress Li was consort to Liu Shouguang, who declared himself emperor of Yan in 911. She was elevated to empress after his usurpation, wielding influence at the court. Her tenure coincided with the fragmentation of China’s north and constant military threats. She took part in diplomatic ceremonies and supported the internal affairs of the fledgling state. When Jin forces besieged You Prefecture, Empress Li faced the collapse of Yan’s capital. She died on February 12, 914, reportedly by suicide after the fall of her husband’s regime. Her life illustrates the precarious nature of power during the Five Dynasties era.

Born in 1185, Ermesinde inherited the counties of Luxembourg and Arlon following her father’s death. She took sole control of her lands in 1197 and demonstrated exceptional administrative talent. Ermesinde forged strategic alliances and granted town charters, stimulating economic development. Under her rule, Luxembourg emerged as a significant principality within the Holy Roman Empire. She patronized religious institutions and supported cultural projects at her court. Ermesinde died on February 12, 1247, leaving a legacy that laid the foundation for her successors.

Born in 1468, Catherine ascended to the throne of Navarre at the age of 15 following her father’s death. She married John III of Albret in 1484, strengthening the Albret claim to the kingdom. Her reign was marked by diplomatic efforts to maintain Navarre’s independence against Ferdinand of Aragon. She sponsored cultural patronage and upheld Navarre’s legal traditions. Catherine died on February 12, 1517, passing the crown to her son Henry II. Her leadership preserved Navarre’s sovereignty during a period of Iberian consolidation.

Born around 1537 into a powerful noble family, Jane Grey was the great-granddaughter of Henry VII. In July 1553, she was proclaimed queen by those seeking to preserve Protestant rule after Edward VI's death. Her authority was quickly challenged by Mary Tudor, who gathered widespread support and deposed Jane within nine days. During her brief reign, she displayed remarkable composure at just 15 years old. Imprisoned in the Tower of London, she endured months of isolation under grim conditions. Accused of high treason, she was executed on February 12, 1554, at the age of 16. Her tragic fate and youthful dignity have inspired countless works of literature and art.

Born in 1515 to a notable gentry family, Nicholas Throckmorton embarked on a career in politics and diplomacy. He served as a Member of Parliament during the reigns of Henry VIII and Edward VI, gaining recognition for his articulate speeches. Under Queen Mary I, he was appointed ambassador to France, where he navigated tense religious and political conflicts. With the accession of Elizabeth I, he continued as an envoy and played a key role in negotiating the Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis. Renowned for his moderate Protestant views, he sought compromise during England's religious turmoil. Throckmorton's letters and reports provide valuable insight into 16th-century diplomacy and court life. He died in 1571, leaving behind a legacy as one of the Tudor era's most skilled negotiators.

Born in 1664 as the son of Emperor Bahadur Shah I, Jahandar Shah ascended to the Mughal throne after a bitter succession struggle in 1712. His reign was marked by lavish ceremonies and extravagant spending that strained the empire's finances. Jahandar Shah was heavily influenced by his favorite consort, Lal Kunwar, whose rise frustrated traditional court factions. His short rule saw rising corruption and weakening central authority as provincial governors asserted more autonomy. In early 1713, he was deposed by his nephew Farrukhsiyar, who garnered support from key nobles and the powerful Sayyid brothers. Jahandar Shah was imprisoned and executed shortly thereafter, ending his tumultuous reign. Though brief, his time as emperor highlighted the declining power of the Mughal center amid internal rivalries.

Adolf Frederick ascended the Swedish throne in 1751 as a figurehead under the parliamentary factions of the Age of Liberty. Born into the House of Holstein-Gottorp in 1710, he was prince-archbishop of Bremen before becoming king. His reign was marked by limited political power, as real authority lay with the Riksdag and powerful nobility. He is remembered for his ceremonial duties and cultural patronage, rather than military or political achievements. Despite his limited influence, Adolf Frederick maintained the royal dignity and oversaw court reforms. His sudden death in 1771 led to public fascination, partly due to rumors about his extravagant final meal. He remains a curious figure in Swedish history, emblematic of monarchical ceremony during a period of parliamentary power.

Ethan Allen was a farmer-turned-militiaman who led the Green Mountain Boys in the capture of Fort Ticonderoga in 1775. Born in 1738 in Connecticut, he became an early settler and landowner in what is now Vermont. Allen was a fierce advocate for Vermont's independence from New York and New Hampshire, playing a key role in its founding. During the Revolutionary War, he held the rank of colonel and was known for his bold tactics and fiery speeches. Captured by British forces in 1775, he endured imprisonment before being exchanged in 1778. After the war, Allen served in the Vermont House of Representatives and promoted the state's interests. He died in 1789, leaving a legacy as a folk hero and symbol of American frontier spirit.

Born in 1855 in Crimea, Samad bey Mehmandarov served as a general in the Imperial Russian Army. He fought in the Russo-Turkish War of 1877–78 and World War I, earning distinction for his leadership of cavalry units. Following the 1918 establishment of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, he was appointed its third Minister of Defense. Mehmandarov worked to modernize the fledgling national army amidst political turmoil. After the Soviet takeover, he lived in exile in Poland until his death in 1931. His military reforms and dedication to Azerbaijan’s independence cemented his historical legacy.

Avraham Stern was born in Poland in 1907 and immigrated to British Mandate Palestine in 1925. He served in the Haganah before breaking away to form the more radical Lehi, also known as the Stern Gang. Under his leadership, the group carried out clandestine operations against British authorities. Stern advocated for uncompromising resistance and envisioned a Jewish state on both banks of the Jordan. In 1942, he was betrayed and fatally shot by British police in Tel Aviv. His legacy remains controversial, influencing debates on resistance and national liberation.

Carl Lutz was a Swiss vice-consul to Hungary during World War II. He negotiated with authorities to issue protective papers and organize safe houses. Through his efforts, he saved more than 62,000 Jews from deportation. Lutz’s diplomatic skill and moral courage have been recognized worldwide. He is honored as Righteous Among the Nations for his actions.

Frank Stagg was an Irish Republican activist involved in the struggle for political recognition. During his imprisonment, he undertook a hunger strike to protest prison conditions and political status. After a prolonged strike, he died on February 12, 1976. His death sparked protests and became a rallying point for Irish nationalists. Stagg’s sacrifice remains emblematic of the fight for civil rights.