All the People

If you just want to see the people in our database you can browse them here.

Witold Pilecki

Polish Resistance leader and officer
Born
1901 124 years ago
Died
May 25th, 1948 77 years ago — 47 years old

An officer in the Polish Army who became a key figure in the Polish resistance against Nazi occupation during World War II. Pilecki voluntarily entered Auschwitz to gather intelligence on the atrocities being committed there and to organize a resistance movement within the camp. He later documented the conditions in Auschwitz, sending reports to the Polish government-in-exile. After the war, he faced arrest by the Soviet authorities for his opposition to communism and was executed in 1948.

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Witold Smorawiński

Polish guitarist and composer
Born
April 24th, 1964 61 years ago

Born in Poland in 1964, a guitarist and educator whose work spans performance, composition, and teaching. Developed a reputation for contributions to classical guitar music, alongside engaging musical education initiatives. Collaborated with various artists and participated in numerous music festivals. Established a presence in both concert performance and academic settings.

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Witte de With

Dutch admiral and naval leader
Born
1599 426 years ago
Died
November 8th, 1658 366 years ago — 59 years old

Served in the Dutch navy during the Eighty Years' War. Played a key role in various naval battles against the Spanish fleet. Led the naval expedition that contributed to the capture of the Spanish-held fortress of Duurstede. Held the position of vice admiral and commanded several naval squadrons.

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Wiyogo Atmodarminto

Indonesian General and Governor
Born
1922 103 years ago
Died
October 19th, 2012 12 years ago — 90 years old

Held the position of the 10th Governor of Jakarta, overseeing urban governance and regional development. Contributed to policies that aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and public services in the capital city. Served in various military roles, demonstrating leadership and commitment to the Indonesian Armed Forces. Transitioned from military service to a significant political role, influencing local and regional governance.

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Wiz Khalifa

Rapper and actor, 'See You Again' artist
Born
September 8th, 1987 37 years ago

Born in 1987, this rapper rose to prominence with the release of a hit single in 2015. Collaborated with notable artists and produced multiple albums, establishing a unique blend of hip-hop and pop styles. The artist's style and sound gained significant attention, contributing to a notable presence in the music industry. Also ventured into acting with appearances in various productions, showcasing versatility beyond music.

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Wizkid

Nigerian singer and songwriter
Born
July 16th, 1990 35 years ago

A prominent Nigerian singer and songwriter, achieved recognition for contributions to the Afrobeats genre. Gained widespread acclaim with the album 'Made in Lagos' released in 2020. Collaborated with several international artists, increasing global awareness of African music. The track 'Essence' garnered significant attention and placed high on various music charts, solidifying a reputation as a leading figure in contemporary music.

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Wladimir Burliuk

Ukrainian painter and illustrator
Born
March 27th, 1886 139 years ago
Died
1917 108 years ago — 31 years old

Born in 1886, this painter and illustrator contributed significantly to the avant-garde movement in Ukraine. Active in the early 20th century, associations with fellow artists and involvement in the art community were pivotal in shaping contemporary art in the region. Formed part of artistic organizations that promoted modernist principles and innovative techniques. Explored various styles, including expressionism and futurism, which influenced later generations of artists. Played a crucial role in bridging European artistic trends with local Ukrainian culture, enhancing its visibility on the international stage.

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Wladimir Klitschko

Boxer & former heavyweight champion
Born
March 25th, 1976 49 years ago

Born in Ukraine, a professional boxer competed in the heavyweight division from 1996 to 2017. Achieved notable success with 64 wins, 5 losses, and 53 knockouts. Held the IBF, WBO, and IBO heavyweight titles simultaneously, along with the WBA super championship. His reign as a world champion lasted for nearly a decade, establishing a dominant presence in the sport. Retired after a loss to Anthony Joshua in 2017, marking the end of an era in heavyweight boxing.

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Władysław Bartoszewski

Polish journalist and Minister of Foreign Affairs
Born
February 19th, 1922 103 years ago
Died
April 24th, 2015 10 years ago — 93 years old

A prominent journalist and politician, held significant positions in the Polish government. Served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the 1990s, contributing to Poland’s foreign relations post-communism. Bartoszewski actively participated in the Polish resistance during World War II and was imprisoned by the Nazis. His post-war career was marked by efforts in diplomacy and historical education, including involvement with various historical commissions. Authored several books on history and politics, focusing on Polish-German relations and the Holocaust. Advocated for human rights and social issues throughout his life.

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Władysław Gomułka

Polish politician and leader of PZPR
Born
February 6th, 1905 120 years ago
Died
September 1st, 1982 42 years ago — 77 years old

A Polish politician and member of the Polish United Workers' Party. Gomułka participated in the Second World War and joined the Communist Party after the war. In 1945, he became the first Secretary of the Central Committee of the Polish Workers' Party. From 1956 to 1970, he served as the First Secretary of the Polish United Workers' Party, leading the country during a time of economic reform and political turbulence. Gomułka's leadership was marked by the 'Gomułka thaw', a period of liberalization in contrast to earlier Stalinist policies. His tenure ended with his removal from office due to economic difficulties and civil unrest.

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Władysław Horodecki

Polish architect famous for buildings
Born
May 23rd, 1863 162 years ago
Died
1930 95 years ago — 67 years old

Born in 1863, this architect significantly influenced Polish architecture during the early 20th century. He designed several prominent buildings in Warsaw, most notably the famous Barbican and the unique tenement houses which showcase Art Nouveau and Modernist styles. His architectural work often featured elaborate decorations and innovatively utilized new materials and technologies of the time. The architect's legacy is reflected in the continued appreciation of his works in contemporary Poland.

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Wladyslaw I

King of Poland, founder of the dynasty
Born
1261 764 years ago
Died
March 2nd, 1333 692 years ago — 72 years old

Ascended the throne of Poland in 1306, marking the beginning of a new dynasty. Strengthened the kingdom through various military and political strategies. Conquered territories and expanded Polish influence in Central Europe. During the reign, established an administrative framework that contributed to the stabilization of the kingdom. His leadership helped foster internal cohesion and manage external threats, notably from the Teutonic Knights and the Kingdom of Bohemia. Died in 1333, leaving behind a unified Poland under his descendants.

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