February 14

Born into the FitzAlan dynasty in 1408, John inherited the earldom at a young age. He fought alongside English forces in Normandy and Gascony against the French crown. FitzAlan was known for his chivalry and strategic skills on the battlefield. He managed estates and maintained the Arundel family's influence in English politics. His tenure as earl saw both triumphs and setbacks during a turbulent period of conflict. John died in 1435, leaving the earldom to his heir amid ongoing military campaigns. His life exemplified the duties and challenges of English nobility in medieval warfare.

Born and raised in Siena, Petrucci maneuvered his way into power amid local factional struggles. By 1497 he had secured de facto control over the city's government as its sovereign lord. Petrucci balanced alliances with powerful Italian states like Florence and the Papal States. He patronized the arts and urban development, commissioning public works and palaces. Critics labeled his rule as tyrannical, but he maintained stability in a period of unrest. His rule left a complex legacy of autocratic governance and cultural patronage in Siena. He died in 1512 after a reign that shaped the city's destiny.

Born in 1483 in the Fergana Valley, Babur was descended from both Timur and Genghis Khan. At age 12, he became ruler of a small kingdom but faced exile from his homeland. He led multiple campaigns to conquer Kabul and later moved into northern India. In 1526, Babur defeated the Sultan of Delhi at the Battle of Panipat, founding the Mughal Empire. He introduced garden architecture and cultural fusion that became hallmarks of Mughal rule. Babur chronicled his life in the 'Baburnama', one of the great works of autobiography. He died in 1530, but his descendants would go on to build some of India's most famous monuments.

Born in Florence in 1545 to the influential Medici dynasty, Lucrezia was groomed for high-profile marriage. At age 16, she married Alfonso II d'Este, Duke of Ferrara, strengthening alliances between two great houses. She fostered an environment of learning and culture at the Ferrara court, hosting poets and artists. Lucrezia's letters reveal her intelligence and active role in political and diplomatic affairs. She championed charities and religious institutions, reflecting her piety and social responsibility. Her untimely death in 1561 at just 16 sent shockwaves through Italian courts. Lucrezia's life remains a poignant example of Renaissance aristocratic women balancing power and patronage.

Born in 1625 as the daughter of John Casimir of Palatinate-Zweibrücken, Maria Euphrosyne became a Swedish princess through her brother King Charles X Gustav. She supported musicians, poets, and scholars throughout her life, and her extensive correspondence provides valuable insight into the political and cultural landscape of 17th-century Sweden. After marrying Count Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie, she influenced court culture and charitable initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on Swedish intellectual life.

Countess Palatine Anna Magdalena of Birkenfeld-Bischweiler was a member of the House of Wittelsbach. Born in 1640, she held a ceremonial role within the courts of the Holy Roman Empire and was connected by lineage to many German princely families. Little detailed historical record survives about her personal life, but her noble status reflected the intricate dynastic politics of the era.

Born in 1670, Rajaram Bhonsle succeeded his brother Shivaji as the third Chhatrapati of the Maratha Confederacy and continued guerrilla warfare tactics against the Mughal Empire. He established strategic bases in the Western Ghats and relocated the capital to Jinji to maintain Maratha autonomy. Under his leadership, Maratha forces resisted Aurangzeb's campaigns and laid the groundwork for future expansion. He died in 1700, remembered for his role in sustaining Maratha sovereignty during a critical period.

Emory Washburn was an American lawyer, historian, and politician born in 1800. He studied at Harvard University, graduating from its law school, and began his career in legal practice. Washburn served multiple terms in the Massachusetts legislature before being elected governor in 1853. As governor, he focused on educational reform and infrastructure development. After leaving office, he became a respected historian, publishing works on Massachusetts history. He also served as the president of the Massachusetts Historical Society, preserving the state's past. Washburn's contributions to law and historical scholarship left a lasting impact on Massachusetts.

Fernando Wood was an American merchant and Democratic politician born in 1812. He built a successful shipping and real estate business before entering politics. Wood was elected the 73rd Mayor of New York City in 1855 and again in 1859, serving during a period of rapid urban growth. As mayor, he controversially proposed New York City's secession from the Union to protect its commercial interests. After his mayoral terms, he served multiple terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Wood was a staunch defender of municipal autonomy and a leading figure in Tammany Hall politics. He died in 1881, leaving a complex legacy as both a city builder and a divisive politician.

Winfield Scott Hancock was a career U.S. Army officer born in 1824. A West Point graduate, he fought in the Mexican-American War before rising to prominence in the Civil War. At Gettysburg, Hancock's leadership of the II Corps was pivotal in repelling Confederate assaults. His steadfast command earned him the nickname Hancock the Superb among peers and soldiers. After the war, he oversaw Reconstruction efforts in the Southern states. In 1880, the Democratic Party nominated him for president on a platform of national reconciliation. He lost the election to James A. Garfield and died in 1886, remembered as one of America's respected commanders.

Anna Howard Shaw immigrated from England to the United States as a child and overcame adversity to become a pioneering female physician. After graduating from medical school in 1878, she practiced medicine while advocating for women's rights. In 1886, she became one of the first women ordained in the Methodist Episcopal Church. Shaw later joined the National American Woman Suffrage Association, eventually serving as its president from 1904 to 1915. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its reach and galvanized public support for women's voting rights. Her combined work in medicine, ministry, and activism paved the way for the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Eugen Schiffer studied law and embarked on a legal career before entering politics in the early 20th century. As a member of the German Democratic Party, he held posts including Reich Minister of Justice and briefly Vice-Chancellor in 1919. In these roles, Schiffer helped draft the Weimar Constitution and navigated the tumultuous postwar political landscape. He also represented Germany at the Paris Peace Conference, advocating for more favorable treaty terms. After retiring from politics, he continued to consult on legal matters and wrote memoirs detailing his experiences. Schiffer's contributions were pivotal in shaping Germany's democratic institutions in the aftermath of World War I.