Afonso V
King of Portugal during the Age of Discovery
Born
1432
593 years ago
Died
August 28th, 1481
544 years ago — 49 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Portugal
Links & References
Afonso V ascended to the throne of Portugal at a young age and ruled from 1438 until 1481. His reign coincided with the Age of Discovery, and he played a significant role in expanding Portuguese territories in Africa. Afonso V was instrumental in military campaigns, including the conquest of Ceuta in 1415 and further incursions into Morocco. His administration also involved the establishment of diplomatic ties and trade agreements with various countries. Afonso's policies helped to reinforce Portugal's status as a maritime power. He was also a patron of the arts and contributed to the cultural development of the period.
Expanded Portuguese territories in Africa
Conquered Ceuta in 1415
Established diplomatic alliances
Other People Who Died on August 28th
Shulamith Firestone
An influential figure in the feminist movement, produced significant theoretical works focusing on women's liberation. Published major text titled 'The Dialectic of Sex' in 1970, which critiqued patriarchy and proposed revolutionary changes to gender roles. Engaged in organizing efforts within feminist groups and was a founding member of the feminist group the New York Radical Women. Advocated for issues related to women's rights and reproductive freedom throughout her career.
Continue ReadingJohn Anthony Walker
Served as a U.S. Navy signalman and later engaged in espionage activities on behalf of the Soviet Union. Walker recruited family members and friends to assist in the espionage operation, providing classified information over several years. His actions compromised naval intelligence operations and caused a significant breach of security for the United States. Arrested in 1985, he was sentenced to life in prison for his espionage activities.
Continue ReadingBoris III of Bulgaria
Ruled Bulgaria from 1918 until death in 1943. Seized the throne at a young age following the abdication of his father. Initiated a period of modernization and economic development in Bulgaria. Navigated complex political dynamics during World War II, aligning with the Axis Powers but also advocating for peace with the Allies. Played a crucial role in the preservation of the Bulgarian Jewish population during the Holocaust. Died under suspicious circumstances shortly after a political shift towards the Allies.
Continue ReadingNelson Shanks
A prominent American painter, historian, and educator, celebrated for contributions to the portrait genre. Shanks studied at the Art Students League of New York and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Notable works include commissioned portraits of various U.S. presidents and prominent figures. His teaching career encompassed roles at respected institutions, where he influenced emerging artists through comprehensive programs in classical techniques and art history. Shanks's approach combined traditional methods with modern sensibilities, shaping the understanding of portraiture in contemporary art.
Continue ReadingEmmett Till
In 1955, a 14-year-old African American boy was kidnapped and murdered in Mississippi, sparking national outrage and highlighting racial violence in the United States. The circumstances surrounding the abduction involved accusations of inappropriate behavior toward a white woman. After the body was discovered, the victim's mother insisted on an open-casket funeral, shocking the public and bringing widespread media attention to the case. The subsequent trial of the accused led to an acquittal, which further inflamed tensions and catalyzed the civil rights movement.
Continue ReadingPaul MacCready
An engineer and businessman, founded AeroVironment which designed and developed innovative aircrafts. Designed the Gossamer Albatross, the first human-powered aircraft to cross the English Channel. Contributed to fields of aerodynamics and renewable energy through various projects and prototypes.
Continue Reading