Alessandro de' Medici

Duke of Florence, leader of the Medici

Alessandro de' Medici - Duke of Florence, leader of the Medici
Born

1510
515 years ago

Died

January 6th, 1537
488 years ago — 27 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Italy

Links & References

Alessandro de' Medici served as the Duke of Florence from 1532 until his assassination in 1537. He was the first Duke of Florence, installed by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. His rule aimed to consolidate the power of the Medici family and maintain control over Florence amid political turmoil. Born in the Medici palace, Alessandro was the illegitimate son of Lorenzo de' Medici. His reign was characterized by attempts to influence the nobility and manage the city’s governance. However, dissatisfaction grew among the Florentine population regarding his leadership style and the perceived foreign influence represented by his connection to Charles V. This discontent ultimately led to his murder by his cousin, Lorenzo de' Medici, marking a significant turning point in Florentine politics.

First Duke of Florence

Consolidation of Medici power

Other People Who Died on January 6th

Spike Pola

Australian footballer and soldier
Born
1914 111 years ago
Died
January 6th, 2012 13 years ago — 98 years old

An Australian footballer played for the North Melbourne Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL) during the 1940s. His skills on the field contributed to the team's performance during his tenure. After his football career, served in the military, participating in World War II. Returned to football post-war and continued to be involved in the sport.

Continue Reading

Gregor Mendel

Czech geneticist and botanist
Born
July 20th, 1822 202 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1884 141 years ago — 61 years old

A geneticist and botanist, significant contributions to the understanding of heredity began with experimentation on pea plants. Established the foundational principles of inheritance, which later became known as Mendelian genetics. Work remained unrecognized until decades after it was published, influencing future genetic research.

Continue Reading

Josef Dobrovský

Czech philologist and historian
Born
August 17th, 1753 271 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1829 196 years ago — 75 years old

Contributed significantly to the study of the Czech language, history, and literature. Played a vital role in the formation of modern Czech philology. Authored essential works on Czech grammar and language structure, enhancing the understanding of Slavic languages. Engaged in historical research that set the groundwork for future scholarship in Czech studies.

Continue Reading

Ruth Carter Stevenson

Art collector, Amon Carter Museum founder
Born
October 19th, 1923 101 years ago
Died
January 6th, 2013 12 years ago — 89 years old

A significant figure in American art collection and patronage, established the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, Texas. The museum focuses on American art and photography and has a notable collection of works by artists such as Frederic Remington and Charles Marion Russell. Stewart's dedication to the arts cultivated a rich cultural resource for the community and contributed to the appreciation of American heritage through art. Her initiatives often emphasized the importance of American artists and the documentation of American history through visual arts.

Continue Reading

Mehmed IV

Ottoman Sultan during the 17th century
Born
January 2nd, 1642 383 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1693 332 years ago — 51 years old

Ascended to the throne at the age of six, ruling the Ottoman Empire from 1648 until 1687. His reign witnessed the expansion and consolidation of empire territories, significant military campaigns, and a flourishing of arts and architecture. The period was marked by the Great Turkish War, during which the Ottoman Empire faced various European powers. The sultan's government sought to adapt to internal and external challenges through reform while dealing with the pressures of modernization. His reign is distinguished by the construction of numerous monuments, displaying the architectural prowess of the era.

Continue Reading

Octavio Lepage

Venezuelan politician and president
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
January 6th, 2017 8 years ago — 94 years old

Served as the President of Venezuela from 1991 to 1993. Focused on economic reforms and governance during a politically tumultuous period in the country. October 1992 saw an attempted coup against his administration, leading to significant political challenges. Resigned from the presidency after a series of protests and political instability. Contributed to discussions about democracy and political structures in Venezuela following his term.

Continue Reading