February 16

Henry Raspe (1204–1247) was Landgrave of Thuringia who became anti-king of the Germans in 1246, opposing Emperor Frederick II’s successors. A member of the Ludowingian dynasty, he governed his territories with firm leadership, focusing on regional stability. His election as rival king by papal supporters reflected the era’s deep conflicts between the papacy and the Hohenstaufen dynasty. Although his reign as anti-king was short-lived, it highlighted the volatile politics of the Holy Roman Empire. He died suddenly in 1247, leaving Thuringia to his nephew and underscoring the transient nature of 13th-century royal ambitions.

Afonso III of Portugal (1210–1279) reigned from 1248 until his death, transforming his country’s political and territorial landscape. As the younger son of Afonso II, he seized the throne from his brother and implemented reforms to consolidate the monarchy’s power. He completed the Reconquista in Portugal by conquering the Algarve, securing access to the Atlantic. Afonso introduced land and legal reforms that improved governance and boosted royal finances. Despite conflicts with the Church over jurisdiction, he negotiated reconciliation and maintained stability. A patron of architecture, he sponsored the construction of palaces and monasteries. His reign laid foundations for Portugal’s emergence as a maritime power.

Gertrude of Hohenberg (c. 1225–1281) was the first queen consort of the Habsburg dynasty, married to Rudolf I of Germany. Daughter of Count Burkhard IV, her marriage brought significant territorial gains to the Habsburgs. As queen from 1273, she supported her husband’s policies, acted as regent in his absence, and oversaw charitable works. Known for her piety, she founded and patronized monasteries, caring for the needy and sick. Her diplomatic skill strengthened alliances that helped establish Habsburg rule in the Holy Roman Empire. After her death, she was revered for her devotion and became a symbol of medieval queenship. Her legacy influenced the rise of the Habsburgs across Europe.

Rupert I (1309–1390), also known as Rupert the Red, served as Elector Palatine of the Rhine from 1353 until his death. A member of the Wittelsbach dynasty, he focused on strengthening his territories through administrative reforms. He standardized coinage, promoted trade, and encouraged vine cultivation, boosting regional prosperity. As an elector of the Holy Roman Empire, he participated in imperial elections and maintained diplomatic relations. A patron of the arts, Rupert supported scholars and initiated the construction of educational institutions. His nearly four-decade reign provided stability and laid groundwork for his successors. He died in 1390, remembered for his prudent leadership and economic development.

John V Palaiologos (1332–1391) was Byzantine emperor from 1341 until his death, presiding over a turbulent period of civil wars and external incursions. Ascending the throne as a child, his early reign was dominated by regencies and power struggles among the nobility. He faced mounting pressure from the Ottoman Turks and sought Western aid, briefly accepting papal union to secure military support. Despite losing territories, he maintained a rump state centered on Constantinople. John V reformed imperial administration, revived cultural patronage, and fostered diplomatic ties with Venice and Genoa. His long reign reflected the empire’s struggle for survival in a changing world. He died in 1391, leaving his son Manuel II to continue the Palaiologan legacy.

Jean du Bellay (1493–1560) was a French cardinal, diplomat, and influential patron of the Renaissance. Born into a noble Breton family, he was appointed Bishop of Paris and later elevated to cardinal in 1535. Du Bellay represented King Francis I at the papal court in Rome and served as ambassador to England, negotiating key alliances. He supported humanist scholars, including François Rabelais, and collected a renowned library of classical manuscripts. Amid the Reformation, he advocated for moderate religious reforms and served as a liaison between France and the Vatican. In 1556, he became Archbishop of Paris, balancing ecclesiastical duties with political engagement at the French court. His correspondence offers insight into 16th-century diplomacy and culture. He died in 1560, remembered as a connector of art, scholarship, and statecraft.

Born in 1585 to a prominent Castilian noble family, he pursued a military career in the Spanish Army. He rose through the ranks by serving in campaigns across Europe during the Thirty Years' War. In 1629 he was appointed the 24th Governor of the Duchy of Milan, overseeing civil and military affairs. He implemented administrative reforms to strengthen defenses and improve local governance. Esteemed for his leadership and diplomatic skills, he maintained Spanish dominance in Northern Italy. After his tenure, he returned to Spain and continued to advise the crown on military matters. He passed away in 1645, remembered for his service to the Spanish Habsburg monarchy.

Born in 1686 into a prominent political family, Craggs entered Parliament at a young age. He was appointed Secretary of State for the Southern Department in 1718 under King George I. Craggs played a key role in government policy and foreign affairs during a period of economic optimism. He became entangled in the financial scandals of the South Sea Company, which culminated in collapse. Despite his political influence, he died suddenly of smallpox in 1721 at the age of 34. His death shocked London society and intensified scrutiny of government and financial institutions. Craggs is remembered for his rapid rise to power and his involvement in one of Britain's greatest economic crises.

Born in 1796 in Newark, New Jersey, Pennington graduated from Princeton University before studying law. He was elected Governor of New Jersey in 1837, serving two terms until 1843 and promoting education reforms. After a career in state politics, he was elected to Congress in 1859 as a member of the Republican Party. In 1860 he became the 23rd Speaker of the United States House during a period of national tension over slavery. As Speaker, he presided over debates that set the stage for the American Civil War. Pennington returned to private life after his term and died in 1862, respected for his moderate leadership. He is remembered for guiding legislative proceedings at a critical juncture in U.S. history.

Born in 1843 in County Cork, Ireland, Bracken emigrated to New Zealand in 1865 at age 22. He worked as a journalist in Dunedin and founded the influential newspaper the Saturday Press. Bracken authored the lyrics to "God Defend New Zealand," which became one of the country's national anthems. He published several poetry collections reflecting colonial life and his Irish heritage. Bracken also served briefly as Member of Parliament for Dunedin West, engaging in local politics. His writing helped shape New Zealand's cultural identity in the late 19th century. He died in 1898, remembered for his patriotic verse and contributions to journalism.

Born in 1841 in Paris to a family of merchants, Faure began his career in business before entering politics. He was first elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1881 and established a reputation as a moderate Republican. In 1895 he was elected President of the French Republic, guiding the nation through colonial expansion. Faure's term saw the consolidation of the Third Republic and ongoing debate over the Dreyfus Affair. He was known for his affable personality, diplomatic skills, and controversial personal life. Faure died suddenly in 1899, shocking the nation and fueling sensational press coverage. He is remembered for his role during a transformative and tumultuous period in French history.

A key architect of France's modern public school system, Buisson championed secularism and equal access to education. He served as Minister of Public Instruction and advocated for the separation of church and state. A committed pacifist, he presided over the League of Human Rights and promoted international arbitration. In 1927, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his tireless defense of human dignity and social justice. His writings on ethics and education influenced generations of French educators.