Afonso IV of Portugal

King of Portugal, Battle of Atoleiros

Afonso IV of Portugal - King of Portugal, Battle of Atoleiros
Born

February 8th, 1291
734 years ago

Died

May 28th, 1357
668 years ago — 66 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Portugal

Links & References

Ruled as king from 1325 to 1357, focused on consolidating power and territorial expansion. Engaged in conflicts against the Kingdom of León and facilitated the military efforts during the Battle of Atoleiros, which solidified Portuguese resistance against external threats. Promoted royal authority and maintained the stability of the kingdom through strategic marriages and alliances. Issued significant legal reforms and established the first Portuguese criminal law, contributing to the development of the legal system.

Oversaw the victory at the Battle of Atoleiros in 1337

Established the first Portuguese criminal law in 1340

Expanded territorial holdings through strategic marriages

Other People Born on February 8th

Dan Seals

Singer-songwriter and guitarist
Born
February 8th, 1948 77 years ago
Died
March 25th, 2009 16 years ago — 61 years old

A singer-songwriter and guitarist, became a prominent figure in country music during the 1980s and 1990s. Achieved commercial success with a string of hits, including 'Bop' and 'One Friend'. Earlier, performed as part of the pop duo England Dan & John Ford Coley, gaining recognition with hits like 'I'd Really Love to See You Tonight'. The solo career included multiple chart-topping singles and several albums. Inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

Continue Reading

William Tecumseh Sherman

Union general during Civil War
Born
February 8th, 1820 205 years ago
Died
February 14th, 1891 134 years ago — 71 years old

Served as a general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Commanded the military division of the Mississippi, which played a pivotal role in several key campaigns. Conducted the famous March to the Sea, during which his troops advanced from Atlanta to Savannah, implementing a strategy of total war. This campaign significantly weakened Confederate resources and morale. After the war, occupied the position of commanding general of the United States Army.

Continue Reading

Claro M. Recto

Filipino lawyer and politician
Born
February 8th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
1960 65 years ago — 70 years old

Born in 1890, a prominent lawyer, jurist, and politician in the Philippines. Served in the Philippine Senate during the mid-1900s, advocating for Philippine nationalism and sovereignty. Recto was a key figure in the drafting of several laws aimed at promoting education and social justice. He also held various roles in government, including serving as Secretary of Foreign Affairs. As an author, he contributed significantly to Philippine literature, and his works often reflected his nationalistic views. Known for his eloquence and strong stance against colonialism, Recto played a crucial role in shaping political discourse in the Philippines during his time.

Continue Reading

Joseph Schumpeter

Czech-American economist and academic
Born
February 8th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
January 8th, 1950 75 years ago — 66 years old

Contributed to economic theory through analysis of capitalism and innovation. Served as a professor at Harvard University and authored several influential works, including 'Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy'. Developed the concept of creative destruction, explaining how innovation drives economic growth and the cyclical nature of business. Schumpeter's ideas have influenced economic policy and entrepreneurship studies.

Continue Reading

Ted Koppel

Journalist and anchor of Nightline
Born
February 8th, 1940 85 years ago

This English-American journalist became a prominent television figure through decades of reporting and anchoring. He served as the anchor of the ABC news program Nightline from its inception in 1980 until 2005. Koppel's career in journalism began in the late 1950s and included a focus on international affairs, covering significant events such as the Vietnam War, the Iranian hostage crisis, and the fall of the Berlin Wall. Koppel's investigative reporting and insightful interviews contributed to the legacy of television journalism, making him a respected voice in the industry.

Continue Reading

Elizabeth Bishop

American poet and Pulitzer Prize winner
Born
February 8th, 1911 114 years ago
Died
October 6th, 1979 45 years ago — 68 years old

Born in 1911, a prominent American poet whose work is celebrated for its precise imagery and exploration of emotional landscapes. Published collections include 'North & South' and 'Geography III'. Received the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1956 for 'Poems: 1927-1979'. Served as the poet laureate of the United States from 1949 to 1950.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on May 28th

Germain of Paris

Bishop and Saint of Paris
Died
May 28th, 576 1449 years ago — None years old

Born in 496, served as the Bishop of Paris. Contributed to the Christian church during a time of religious and political change. Actively engaged in the community, promoting the welfare of the poor and fostering the growth of Christianity in the area. Died in 576 and was canonized shortly after, remembered for his piety and leadership.

Continue Reading

Francisco Varela

Chilean biologist and philosopher
Born
1946 79 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2001 24 years ago — 55 years old

A prominent figure in biology and philosophy, contributions included the development of enaction as a framework for understanding cognition, which emphasized the role of embodied experience. Collaborated with cognitive science, neuroscience, and philosophy, establishing interdisciplinary links. Worked on biological theories of cognition and explored the phenomenology of life. Co-authored 'The Embodied Mind', integrating Buddhist concepts with cognitive science.

Continue Reading

Gary Coleman

American actor in 'Diff'rent Strokes'
Born
February 8th, 1968 57 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2010 15 years ago — 42 years old

Born in 1968, an American actor gained fame for the role of Arnold Jackson in the television series 'Diff'rent Strokes.' The show aired from 1978 to 1986 and explored the lives of two girls who are adopted by a wealthy businessman and his family. Coleman became a prominent figure in pop culture, recognized for his catchphrase, 'What'choo talkin' 'bout, Willis?' After 'Diff'rent Strokes,' faced a range of challenges and transitions in both personal and professional life, including significant legal battles regarding finances and contracts. Despite these difficulties, continued to make guest appearances in television and worked in various capacities within the entertainment industry until the end of his career.

Continue Reading

Ucha'an K'in B'alam

Mayan king with notable rulership
Died
May 28th, 741 1284 years ago — None years old

Served as a king of the Maya civilization during the 8th century. His reign is marked by advancements in architecture and writing. The establishment of ceremonial structures and monuments in the city is attributed to his leadership. Conducted extensive trade relations with other city-states, enhancing the wealth and influence of the region. His legacy includes several monumental inscriptions that detail his achievements and the history of his reign.

Continue Reading

D'Urville Martin

Actor and Director of 'Dolemite'
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
May 28th, 1984 41 years ago — 45 years old

An actor and director contributed to film and television primarily in the 1970s. Directed the film 'Dolemite' in 1975, which became a cult classic. Appeared in notable films including 'The Big Bird Cage' and 'Black Gunn'. Alongside acting, involved in various projects that highlighted African American culture.

Continue Reading

Tatsuo Hori

Japanese author and poet of modern literature
Born
1904 121 years ago
Died
May 28th, 1953 72 years ago — 49 years old

A prominent Japanese author and poet, contributed significantly to modern literature in Japan. Lived during a tumultuous period in Japanese history, with works reflecting deep emotional and psychological insights. Best recognized for poignant poetry and elegant prose that explored themes of nature, love, and loss. His literary career gained traction in the early 20th century with notable publications. After his passing in 1953, his works continued to be studied and appreciated, influencing subsequent generations of writers.

Continue Reading