12月13日

Born Felice Peretti in 1520, he rose through the ranks of the Franciscan order and the Roman Curia. As Pope, he implemented financial and administrative reforms that stabilized the Papal States’ economy. He commissioned major urban renewal projects in Rome, including the restoration of aqueducts and the erection of obelisks. Under his leadership, the Vatican Library’s holdings were reorganized and expanded. His strict governance style strengthened papal authority but also sparked controversy. Sixtus V died in 1590, leaving a lasting legacy on the city of Rome and the Catholic Church.

Born in 1553, he inherited the Kingdom of Navarre and ascended to the French throne in 1589. He famously converted to Catholicism to secure his rule, reportedly stating 'Paris is well worth a Mass.' Henry IV issued the Edict of Nantes in 1598, granting religious toleration to Huguenots and ending the French Wars of Religion. His reign saw efforts to rebuild France’s economy and infrastructure after decades of conflict. He was assassinated in 1610 by a Catholic fanatic, becoming a martyr for religious coexistence. Henry IV remains one of France’s most celebrated kings for his statesmanship and reforms.

Born in 1659 into the samurai Miyake family, he succeeded his father as the second lord of Tahara Domain. During his tenure, he managed domain affairs under the oversight of the Tokugawa shogunate. He oversaw taxation and local administration, ensuring the domain met its obligations to the central government. Under his rule, the domain maintained stability and contributed to regional agrarian development. Yasuoki served as daimyo until his death in 1726, leaving his domain in steady condition.

Born in 1662, Morinobu succeeded his predecessor as the fifth lord of Fukue Domain on the Gotō Islands. He governed his domain under the policies of the Tokugawa shogunate, focusing on local administration. Morinobu managed maritime trade and fishing operations that were vital to his domain’s economy. He maintained the samurai hierarchy and supported local craftspeople during his rule. His tenure lasted until his early death in 1691, after which his successor continued his work.

Born in 1665 to the Kutsuki clan, he became the fourth lord of Fukuchiyama Domain at a young age. He administered his domain under the Tokugawa shogunate, overseeing tax collection and legal matters. Taneharu supported the development of local agriculture and upheld samurai traditions. He maintained diplomatic relations with neighboring domains and ensured his domain’s prosperity. His long tenure lasted until his death in 1741, marking a period of stability for Fukuchiyama.

Born Yinzhen in 1678, he was the fourth son of the Kangxi Emperor and ascended the throne in 1722. Yongzheng worked to strengthen imperial authority, streamline administration, and root out corruption. He promoted the use of palace memorials for direct communication between officials and the emperor. His fiscal reforms increased state revenue and supported grand architectural projects. Yongzheng’s reign is remembered for its efficient governance and consolidation of Qing power. He died in 1735 and was succeeded by his son, the Qianlong Emperor.

Born in 1750 into the Ikeda clan, he inherited leadership of Kanazu Domain in Inaba Province. As daimyo, he managed domain finances and agricultural initiatives under the shogunate’s oversight. Sumenobu oversaw local governance, ensuring the welfare of his samurai and peasant populations. Despite his brief life, he maintained domain stability until his death in 1769. His tenure reflected the responsibilities and challenges of mid-Edo period daimyo.

Born in 1779 to the Matsudaira family, he became the seventh lord of Mori Domain in Izumo Province. He governed his domain under the policies of the Tokugawa shogunate, overseeing economic and administrative matters. Naokata supported local industries and maintained his domain’s obligations to the central government. His rule spanned a period of social change leading up to the Bakumatsu era. He passed away in 1842, having upheld his family’s samurai legacy through decades of transition.

Born in 1797 in Düsseldorf, Heine studied law before turning to literature and poetry. He gained fame with his collection "Buch der Lieder," which influenced German Romanticism. After his work drew censorship in Germany, he moved to Paris, where he wrote essays and satire. His writings often explored themes of love, politics, and social criticism with elegance and irony. Heine’s poetry was set to music by composers like Schumann and Schubert, extending his influence. He died in 1856, leaving a legacy as one of the 19th century’s most important literary figures.

Born in 1815, he succeeded his father as the eighth lord of Kameyama Domain under the Tokugawa shogunate. During his tenure, he managed domain affairs amid growing internal and external challenges. Ishikawa oversaw agricultural policies and maintained public order in his domain. He witnessed the upheavals of the Bakumatsu era and the fall of the shogunate. After the Meiji Restoration, he was integrated into the new peerage before his death in 1886. His life bridged Japan’s transition from feudal rule to modern statehood.

1816年にベルリンで生まれる。 若くして電磁気学に興味を持ち、数々の実験を重ねた。 1847年にシーメンス＆ハルスケ社を設立し、テレグラフ技術を実用化。 発電機（ダイナモ）や電気鉄道など、電力産業の基盤を築く発明を多数手がけた。 国際博覧会で受賞を重ねる一方、後進の育成にも力を注いだ。 1892年に逝去し、その功績は現在のシーメンス社に受け継がれている。

1819年にイングランドで生まれる。 ロイヤル・アカデミー・オブ・アーツで絵画を学び、肖像画を得意とした。 シェイクスピア劇のヒロイン像を多く描き、繊細な色彩と表情が特徴。 作品はロンドンをはじめヨーロッパ各地で展示され、高い評価を受けた。 1895年に没し、その作風は後の画家にも影響を与えた。