November 28

Manuel I Komnenos was born in 1118 as a member of the Komnenos family. He ascended to the Byzantine throne in 1143 following the death of his father, John II Komnenos. During his reign, he sought to restore the empire's former glory through military campaigns in Anatolia, the Balkans, and Italy. He cultivated diplomatic ties with Western powers and the Crusader states, earning him the epithet "the Great". Manuel also patronized the arts and theology, commissioning churches and intellectual works. His reign marked a period of cultural revival known as the Komnenian restoration. He died in 1180, leaving behind a stronger and more cohesive empire.

Yesün Temür was born in 1293 into the Borjigin clan. He became emperor of the Yuan dynasty in 1323 after the death of Gegeen Khan. His reign was marked by efforts to stabilize the empire amid internal strife and factional conflict. He worked to reinforce Mongol traditions and manage rival power groups at court. Yesün Temür also supported Confucian scholars and civil administration reforms. His sudden death in 1328 led to a succession crisis. Despite his short reign, he is remembered for striving to maintain unity in a fracturing empire.

Born in 1489, Margaret Tudor was the eldest daughter of King Henry VII of England. At age 13, she married James IV of Scotland, forging the Treaty of Perpetual Peace between England and Scotland. As Queen, she played a key role in Scottish politics, serving as regent for her infant son, James V, after her husband's death at Flodden in 1513. Margaret navigated turbulent factions between pro-English and pro-French nobles, striving to protect her son's inheritance. Later, she married Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus, causing a scandal and further power struggles. Despite personal and political challenges, her descendants would unite the crowns of England and Scotland under her great-grandson, James VI. Margaret died in 1541, remembered as a pivotal dynastic figure in British history.

James Whitelocke was born in 1570 into a prominent Yorkshire family. He pursued legal studies at the Inner Temple and rose through the ranks of the English judiciary. Appointed Chief Justice of Chester, he presided over civil and criminal cases in the Welsh marches. Whitelocke also served in Parliament, representing Newcastle-under-Lyme and other constituencies. He was known for his legal acumen, fairness, and advocacy for the rule of law. His writings on legal procedures provided insight into the early Stuart judiciary. Whitelocke retired in 1625 and died in 1632, leaving a legacy as a respected jurist and statesman.

Hong Taiji was born in 1592 as a son of Nurhaci, the founder of the Later Jin. After Nurhaci's death in 1626, he became khan and later adopted the dynastic name Qing in 1636. He reorganized the Manchu military banners, streamlined administration, and expanded into Mongolia and China proper. Hong Taiji also laid the foundations for Manchu rule over China, integrating Han officials into the government. He encouraged cultural and economic reforms to stabilize the realm. Hong Taiji died in 1643, leaving a powerful and organized state that would soon conquer the Ming dynasty. His reign is credited with transforming the Qing into a dominant imperial power.

Hans Nansen was born in 1598 into a merchant family in Flensburg. He studied law at the University of Copenhagen and became a prominent lawyer in the Danish capital. In 1651, he was elected mayor of Copenhagen, where he oversaw trade regulations and civic administration. Nansen played a key diplomatic role during the Dano-Swedish Wars, negotiating on behalf of the Danish crown. He represented the city at the peace congress in Oliva in 1660. Known for his negotiation skills and leadership, Hans Nansen helped rebuild Copenhagen after wartime damages. He died in 1667, remembered as a dedicated public servant and civic leader.

Edward Hyde, 3rd Earl of Clarendon, was born in 1661 into an influential aristocratic family. He pursued a military career before entering politics and was appointed Governor of New York in 1702. During his tenure he implemented administrative reforms, strengthened frontier defenses, and negotiated with Native American tribes. He navigated complex colonial rivalries and laid groundwork for more structured governance in the province. After returning to England in 1708, he continued to play roles at court until his death in 1723. His leadership in New York helped shape the colony's development during a formative period.

Jean Cavalier was born in 1681 in the Cévennes region of France. As a young woolcomber he became a charismatic Huguenot leader during the Camisard War against royal forces in 1702. Cavalier's guerrilla tactics and inspirational speeches rallied Protestant communities against persecution. After negotiating the Treaty of the Cévennes in 1704 he entered British military service and was commissioned as a colonel. He later settled in England and was celebrated as a champion of religious freedom. Cavalier's memoirs remain valuable firsthand accounts of one of France's most volatile religious conflicts.

Leopold, Prince of Anhalt-Köthen, was born in 1694 into the ruling family of a small German principality. Ascending to the throne in 1704, he governed Anhalt-Köthen alongside his mother until reaching majority. A passionate music lover, Leopold appointed Johann Sebastian Bach as Kapellmeister in 1717 and supported his creative work. Under his patronage Bach composed the Brandenburg Concertos and other instrumental masterpieces. Leopold also enacted administrative reforms and fostered scientific inquiry at his court. He died unmarried in 1728, remembered for his cultural contributions rather than military or political achievements.

Sophie Magdalene of Brandenburg-Kulmbach was born in 1700 to Margrave Christian Heinrich. She married Crown Prince Christian of Denmark-Norway in 1721 and became queen consort upon his accession in 1730. A devoted patron of pietistic reforms, she shaped the moral and religious tone of the royal court. Sophie Magdalene supported charitable foundations, including hospitals and schools. She introduced German cultural influences and sponsored artists and theologians. The queen maintained a close correspondence with other European courts until her death in 1770, leaving a legacy of spiritual devotion and courtly refinement.

Victor de Broglie was born into the French aristocracy and pursued a career in law before entering politics. A moderate liberal, he served as the 9th Prime Minister of France from 1835 to 1836 under King Louis-Philippe. His tenure focused on political stability and cautious reform following the July Revolution. Known for his eloquence and legal expertise, he also served as President of the Chamber of Deputies. His leadership helped consolidate the constitutional monarchy during a pivotal era in French history.

Born in England, William Weston emigrated to Tasmania where he became a prominent landowner and politician. Elected to the Tasmanian House of Assembly, he rose to become the 3rd Premier in 1857. His brief premiership focused on land reform and infrastructure development in the young colony. Weston advocated for expansion of education and support for rural communities. He remained an influential figure in Tasmanian politics until his death in 1888.