Afonso de Albuquerque
Portuguese admiral; Viceroy of India
Born
1453
572 years ago
Died
December 16th, 1515
509 years ago — 62 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Portugal
Links & References
Afonso de Albuquerque served as a Portuguese admiral and the 3rd Viceroy of Portuguese India. He played a pivotal role in establishing Portuguese colonial power in the Indian Ocean during the early 16th century. His strategic military actions helped secure key locations such as Goa and Malacca, instrumental in the expansion of Portuguese influence in Asia. Albuquerque implemented policies that promoted trade and established a trade monopoly over the spice routes.
Conquered Goa and established it as a Portuguese colony
Secured Malacca, vital for trade routes
Established the first Portuguese naval dominance in the Indian Ocean
Other People Who Died on December 16th
Haakon IV
Ruled as king of Norway from 1217 to 1263. Established Norwegian control over the northern regions of the kingdom and further strengthened Norway's position in the Kalmar Union. Successfully defended the kingdom against external threats and managed internal conflicts through a series of reforms. Initiated a period of prosperity and stability that set the foundation for future rulers. Promoted trade and cultural exchanges, significantly influencing medieval Norwegian society.
Continue ReadingEszter Tamási
Born in Hungary in 1938, a prominent actress gained recognition for performances in both film and theater. The actress studied at the University of Drama and Film in Budapest. Significant roles included appearances in 'Meseautó', 'A tizedes meg a többiek', and 'Szegénylegények'. In addition to film, the actress was active in various theater productions, showcasing a range of characters throughout a lengthy career. Participation in notable Hungarian film festivals further solidified presence in the cinematic landscape.
Continue ReadingColin Chapman
An English engineer and businessman founded Lotus Cars, a marque synonymous with innovative automotive design. Established in 1952, the company gained recognition for its lightweight sports cars and Formula One racing vehicles. The innovative use of materials and engineering principles revolutionized the racing industry. Chapman played a significant role in the development of the Lotus 49, which was the first car to use a rear-mounted engine, leading to numerous successes in Formula One during the 1960s. His contributions to automotive engineering left a lasting legacy, influencing car design well beyond his time.
Continue ReadingTed Abernathy
Played as a Major League Baseball pitcher from 1955 to 1970. Appeared in multiple All-Star Games, showcasing talent as a relief pitcher. Had stints with several teams including the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, and Atlanta Braves. Notable for strong performances in high-pressure situations throughout career. Achieved personal success with a reputation for durability and effectiveness in late-inning roles.
Continue ReadingW. Somerset Maugham
Born in 1874, this writer gained prominence in the early 20th century through various literary forms including novels, plays, and short stories. Often set against the backdrop of his extensive travels, works reflect themes of human nature and societal structures. Some of the notable works include the novels 'Of Human Bondage' and 'The Moon and Sixpence', each showcasing the complexity of character and moral dilemmas. Maugham's plays, such as 'The Constant Wife' and 'Rain', also achieved considerable acclaim, further establishing his reputation in the literary field.
Continue ReadingAli Qushji
An Uzbek astronomer, mathematician, and physicist contributed significantly to the fields of astronomy and mathematics during the 15th century. Known for the work on the astronomical tables, Qushji was a prominent figure in the Timurid scientific renaissance. He served at the observatory in Samarkand and authored several important texts, including 'Risalat al-Daruriya,' which addressed various mathematical concepts and methods. His efforts in refining astronomical instruments greatly influenced future studies in astronomy and navigation.
Continue Reading