Afonso IV of Portugal
King of Portugal, Battle of Atoleiros
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
Bruno Martins Indi
Footballer and Dutch national team member
Born
February 8th, 1992 33 years ago
A professional footballer, became recognized for playing as a defender. Played for the national team of the Netherlands and participated in major international tournaments. Started a club career at FC Groningen before moving to several clubs including Porto and Feyenoord. Contributed to the team's success in various domestic leagues and European competitions.
Continue ReadingJaJuan Johnson
Professional basketball player
Born
February 8th, 1989 36 years ago
A basketball player played college basketball at Purdue University, where he was a standout player. In the 2011 NBA Draft, he was selected in the second round by the New Jersey Nets but was later traded to the Boston Celtics. Played with the Celtics during the 2011-2012 NBA season. Also competed in various international leagues.
Continue ReadingKlay Thompson
NBA basketball player, 3-time champion
Born
February 8th, 1990 35 years ago
Professional basketball player, Thompson played for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. He was selected 11th overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. As a shooting guard, he earned a reputation as one of the league's most prolific shooters. He contributed to the Warriors' championships in 2015, 2017, and 2018. Thompson is also a 5-time NBA All-Star and holds records for three-point shooting.
Continue ReadingJulio Jones
Professional American Football Player
Born
February 8th, 1989 36 years ago
Played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) primarily for the Atlanta Falcons. Achieved significant success with high receiving yards and multiple Pro Bowl selections. Contributed to the Atlanta Falcons reaching Super Bowl LI in 2017. Also played for the Tennessee Titans, continuing to showcase skills and athleticism.
Continue ReadingRui Hachimura
Japanese basketball player for the Wizards
Born
February 8th, 1998 27 years ago
A professional basketball player, this individual played college basketball at Gonzaga University, where significant contributions led the team to the NCAA Tournament and earned All-American honors. Drafted 9th overall in the 2019 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, this player made an immediate impact in the league, showcasing scoring ability and skillful play. Represented Japan in international competitions, including the FIBA Basketball World Cup.
Continue ReadingJeremy Davis
Bass player for Paramore
Born
February 8th, 1985 40 years ago
A bass player and songwriter, gained recognition as a member of the rock band Paramore. Joined the band in 2004 and contributed to several albums, including 'Riot!' and 'Brand New Eyes'. Left the band in 2015. Played a significant role in establishing the band's sound during the mid-2000s pop-punk revival and participated in multiple tours.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on May 28th
Edward VIII of the United Kingdom
Former King of the United Kingdom
Born
1894 131 years ago
Died
May 28th, 1972 53 years ago — 78 years old
Ascended to the throne in January 1936 but abdicated in December 1936 in favor of his brother due to his desire to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée. The abdication marked the first voluntary resignation of a British monarch. After abdication, served as Governor of the Bahamas during World War II. Lived in France for many years, remaining a controversial figure in British history.
Continue ReadingJoe Moakley
American politician and attorney
Born
April 27th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2001 24 years ago — 74 years old
Served as a U.S. Representative from Massachusetts from 1973 to 1996. Played a significant role as the chairman of the House Rules Committee. Advocated for issues related to veterans and labor throughout tenure in office. Contributed to many legislative efforts, including the restoration of the U.S. Capitol dome.
Continue ReadingSimion Bărnuțiu
Romanian historian and politician
Born
July 21st, 1808 217 years ago
Died
May 28th, 1864 161 years ago — 55 years old
A prominent historian and politician, contributed significantly to Romanian historiography and the national movement during the 19th century. Advocated for the rights of Romanians in Transylvania and participated in the 1848 Revolution in the region. Served as a professor and was instrumental in the establishment of academic institutions. Worked on editing historical documents and was deeply involved in public life, promoting education and national unity.
Continue ReadingLeopold Mozart
Austrian composer and violinist
Born
November 14th, 1719 306 years ago
Died
May 28th, 1787 238 years ago — 67 years old
Austrian composer and violinist contributed significantly to the development of violin pedagogy. Wrote the treatise 'Versuch einer gründlichen Violinschule' which laid foundational techniques for violin playing. Worked as a court musician in Salzburg and taught music to his children, including Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. His approach to music education influenced generations of musicians.
Continue ReadingEzzard Charles
Boxer and World Heavyweight Champion
Born
July 7th, 1921 104 years ago
Died
May 28th, 1975 50 years ago — 53 years old
Became a professional boxer in 1940, winning the World Heavyweight Championship in 1949. Established a reputation as one of the best fighters in the heavyweight division during his career. Fought several notable matches against top contenders and former champions, contributing to a significant legacy in boxing history. Engaged in memorable bouts against Jersey Joe Walcott and Joe Louis, demonstrating skill and determination in the ring.
Continue ReadingJens Christian Skou
Chemist and Nobel Laureate in Chemistry
Born
October 8th, 1918 107 years ago
Died
May 28th, 2018 7 years ago — 99 years old
A Danish chemist and physiologist contributed significantly to the understanding of ion transport in cells. In 1957, conducted groundbreaking research on Na+/K+ ATPase, an enzyme crucial for maintaining sodium and potassium balance across cell membranes. Established foundational concepts in biochemistry and physiology that have influenced various fields of medical research. Awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1997 for discoveries related to ion transport.
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