Al-Musta'sim

Iraqi caliph during the Abbasid era

Al-Musta'sim - Iraqi caliph during the Abbasid era
Born

1213
812 years ago

Died

February 20th, 1258
767 years ago — 45 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Iraq

Links & References

Ruled as the last Abbasid caliph from 1242 until 1258. Faced significant challenges during a time of decline for the caliphate. His reign was marked by the Mongol invasion, which resulted in the siege of Baghdad. Ultimately captured and executed by Hulagu Khan, contributing to the fall of Baghdad and the end of the Abbasid dynasty in the city.

Oversaw the last period of the Abbasid caliphate

Fell victim to the Mongol invasion

Endured the siege of Baghdad in 1258

Other People Who Died on February 20th

Alexander Haig

American general and Secretary of State
Born
December 2nd, 1924 100 years ago
Died
February 20th, 2010 15 years ago — 85 years old

A career military officer and politician, held the position of 59th United States Secretary of State from 1981 to 1982 under President Ronald Reagan. Participated in key Cold War events and emphasized a strong military posture. Served as the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO from 1974 to 1979, playing a crucial role in military strategy and defense policies. Joined the White House staff as Chief of Staff, contributing to the management of top-level meetings and decisions. His tenure in government followed a distinguished military career, including service in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Continue Reading

Garrick Utley

American journalist and news anchor
Born
1939 86 years ago
Died
February 20th, 2014 11 years ago — 75 years old

Started a career in journalism in the 1960s, contributing to significant news outlets. Served as a foreign correspondent for NBC News during crucial global events like the Vietnam War. Anchored weekend editions of NBC Nightly News and played a pivotal role in the launch of CNN in 1980. Later, worked with PBS and contributed to various news programs, offering insights on international relations and media ethics. Continued to engage in journalism until retirement, influencing generations of news reporting.

Continue Reading

Katie Hall

American educator and politician
Born
1938 87 years ago
Died
February 20th, 2012 13 years ago — 74 years old

An educator and politician contributed significantly to education policy and advocacy. Served in the Indiana House of Representatives from 1974 to 1982, focusing on improving educational opportunities. Her tenure included a commitment to addressing the needs of underrepresented communities. After her legislative career, served as the first African American elected to the Indiana Senate, where furthered initiatives aimed at educational reform and community development.

Continue Reading

Maurice Blanchot

French Philosopher and Author
Born
September 22nd, 1907 117 years ago
Died
February 20th, 2003 22 years ago — 95 years old

A prominent figure in literature and philosophy, contributed significantly to the fields of existentialism and literary theory. Wrote influential works exploring the relationship between fiction and reality. Engaged in dialogues with existentialist philosophers and critical theorists. His notable writings include 'The Space of Literature' and 'The Writing of the Disaster,' which delve into themes of absence, trauma, and the limits of language. Held a unique position in the development of post-structuralism and the philosophy of writing.

Continue Reading

Joseph II

Holy Roman Emperor and Reformer
Born
March 13th, 1741 284 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1790 235 years ago — 48 years old

Ruled as Holy Roman Emperor from 1765 until death in 1790. Engaged in numerous administrative and social reforms aimed at modernizing the empire. Advocated for religious tolerance and the reduction of the power of the Catholic Church. Implemented policies that centralized governance and promoted education. His reign was characterized by conflicts with various territories and resistance to reforms from traditional structures.

Continue Reading

Jacinta Marto

Portuguese saint and visionary child
Born
1910 115 years ago
Died
February 20th, 1920 105 years ago — 10 years old

A child born in Fatima, Portugal, was one of the three shepherd children who reported apparitions of the Virgin Mary in 1917. The apparitions occurred while tending to sheep, and the messages relayed significant themes of prayer and penance. Jacinta and her brother Francesco, along with their cousin Lúcia dos Santos, became known for their experiences and were met with both skepticism and interest from the public and church officials. Following the apparitions, Jacinta displayed a deep spiritual commitment and was noted for her acts of sacrifice and prayer. She was canonized as a saint in 2017 and is venerated for her early piety. Jacinta died at a young age from influenza and is commemorated as one of the visionaries of Fatima.

Continue Reading