August 28

Born around 335, Magnus Maximus rose through the military ranks and declared himself emperor of Britain and Gaul in 383. He defeated Emperor Gratian and ruled the western provinces until 388. His reign was marked by attempts at legal and administrative reforms. He faced constant pressure from barbarian tribes and political rivals. In 388, he was defeated by Theodosius I's forces and killed in battle. His usurpation influenced later challenges to imperial authority and the fragmentation of the Western Roman Empire.

Orestes was a Roman general and politician who seized control of the Western Roman Empire in 475. He installed his young son, Romulus Augustulus, as emperor after deposing Julius Nepos. His power grab exacerbated internal divisions and weakened the already fragile western provinces. In 476, Orestes was captured and executed by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer. His death marked a key event leading to the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Kʼinich Janaab Pakal I was the illustrious ajaw of the Maya city-state of Palenque who reigned from 615 to 683. He ascended the throne at a young age and oversaw an era of artistic and architectural achievement. His most famous monument is the Temple of the Inscriptions, which houses his elaborate tomb. Pakal's inscriptions provide key insight into Maya history, religion, and royal lineage. His eighty-year reign stands as one of the longest in Maya civilization.

Empress Kōken, also known as Empress Shōtoku, was one of the few women to rule Japan, reigning during the Nara period. Born in 718 as the daughter of Emperor Shōmu, she first ascended the throne in 749 at the age of 31. She abdicated in 758 but retook power in 764 and ruled until her death in 770. Kōken was a patron of Buddhism and supported the influential monk Dōkyō. Her reign was marked by political intrigue and efforts to strengthen centralized authority.

Louis the German was a grandson of Charlemagne who ruled the East Frankish Kingdom from 843 to 876. Born in 804, he received his territory after the Treaty of Verdun. He established the foundations of what would become the German nation. Louis engaged in many conflicts with his brothers to maintain his realm and expand his influence. He died on August 28, 876, leaving a legacy of regional consolidation and patronage of the Church.

Xing Zong was an emperor of the Khitan-led Liao dynasty who reigned from 1031 to 1055. Born in 1016, he succeeded his father Shengzong and continued policies aimed at consolidating Liao authority. He promoted Confucian ceremonies and supported Buddhist institutions. During his reign, he improved diplomatic relations with neighboring Song China and oversaw economic growth. Xing Zong died on August 28, 1055, and is remembered for bringing stability to the Liao realm.

Mu'in ad-Din Unur was a Turkish ruler and regent of Damascus in the 12th century. He governed on behalf of the Burid dynasty and skillfully defended the city against Crusader sieges. He formed strategic alliances to balance power between regional Muslim states and Crusader kingdoms. Unur implemented administrative reforms and strengthened the city's defenses. He died on August 28, 1149, and is remembered for his diplomatic acumen and leadership.

Born a Portuguese infanta, Eleanor married King Valdemar II of Denmark in 1229, strengthening ties between Portugal and Scandinavia. As queen, she was known for her diplomatic influence and patronage of the church and arts. Her union produced two children who continued dynastic alliances across Europe. Eleanor funded building projects and supported monastic communities in Denmark. Despite her brief reign, she left a lasting cultural and political impact. She died suddenly in 1231, remembered for her role in uniting Iberian and Northern European royal houses.

Born in 1309 into the Hethumid dynasty, Levon IV ascended to the throne of the Armenian Kingdom of Cilicia during a period of political turmoil. His reign was marked by attempts to defend the kingdom against Mamluk invasions and internal factionalism. He sought alliances with European powers but struggled to secure lasting support. In 1341, facing overwhelming pressure, his rule ended with the fall of the Cilician capital to the Mamluks. Levon’s efforts to preserve his kingdom are remembered as a final stand of Armenian sovereignty in the region. He died the same year, ending centuries of Hethumid leadership.

Born into the English nobility in 1380, John de Sutton V inherited the title of Baron Sutton of Dudley as a young heir. He managed extensive estates in Staffordshire and served at the royal court, gaining a reputation for loyalty to King Henry IV. His tenure saw local administrative duties and participation in regional councils. Though his life was relatively short, he maintained his family's influence in the Midlands. John de Sutton V's death in 1406 at the age of 26 passed the barony to his heir and continued the Sutton lineage. His role exemplified the responsibilities of English barons during a period of dynastic consolidation.

Born in 1432, Afonso V ascended to the throne of Portugal as a minor, earning the nickname the African for his military expeditions in North Africa. He captured the cities of Alcácer Ceguer and Arzila, expanding Portuguese influence beyond Europe. Afonso fostered a vibrant court, supporting explorers and artists who contributed to the early Age of Discoveries. His reign saw both territorial gains and challenges, including conflicts with Castile. Despite setbacks, he left a legacy of maritime ambition that would shape Portugal's golden era. He died in 1481, remembered as a warrior king and cultural patron.

Born in 1500, Federico II Gonzaga succeeded his father as Duke of Mantua in 1519 and ruled until his death in 1540. He transformed Mantua into a center of Renaissance culture by commissioning works from artists such as Giulio Romano and Andrea Mantegna. Federico’s court attracted scholars, poets, and musicians, fostering a vibrant intellectual environment. He also skillfully navigated Italian politics, maintaining alliances with France and the Holy Roman Empire. His administrative reforms strengthened local governance and courtly life. Federico’s patronage left an enduring mark on the cultural legacy of Northern Italy.