Alexandre de Serpa Pinto
Portuguese soldier and explorer

Born
1846
179 years ago
Died
December 28th, 1900
124 years ago — 54 years old
Category
Explorers & Adventurers
Country
Portugal
Links & References
Served as a military officer and explored much of Africa during the late 19th century. Participated in the first Portuguese expedition to cross the African continent from west to east. Documented experiences and collected valuable information about the geography and cultures encountered. Authored a detailed account of explorations in 'Across Africa', contributing to the body of knowledge regarding African regions during that era.
Led the first Portuguese expedition across Africa
Published 'Across Africa'
Other People Who Died on December 28th
Johann Friedrich Gronovius
Born in 1611, a prominent figure in botany and classical scholarship. Focused on the study of plants and contributed significantly to the field of natural history. Published various works that illustrated and classified plant species, establishing a framework for future botanical studies. Served as a professor and emphasized the importance of empirical observation in botany. Contributions helped shape the understanding of plant taxonomy during the early modern period.
Continue ReadingAndrew Jacobs Jr.
Served as a United States Army soldier during World War II. Entered public service as a lawyer and became a prominent political figure. Represented Indiana's 10th congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1965 to 1973. Focused on social justice and civil rights during tenure, advocating for numerous reforms.
Continue ReadingAntipope Clement VIII
Assumed the role of antipope during a period of significant schism within the Catholic Church. His reign occurred amid conflicts between rival factions claiming papal authority. Held office from 1425 to 1431, serving in Avignon while disputes among various popes created a fractured religious landscape. This period was marked by political intrigues and the struggle for dominance among various church leaders. The antipope's authority was contested and recognized by a limited number of followers, leading to challenges regarding legitimacy within the church structure.
Continue ReadingAhmet Mithat Efendi
An influential figure in Turkish literature and journalism, contributed extensively to the understanding of Western literature. Worked as a translator, introducing major works of European literature to Turkish audiences. Founded several newspapers, including the influential 'Tercüman-ı Hakikat'. Engaged in literary efforts that promoted the modernization of Turkish language and thought.
Continue ReadingKatharine McCormick
Born in 1875, a prominent biologist and philanthropist contributed significantly to women's reproductive rights. Played a vital role in funding research for the development of the birth control pill. Actively participated in the women's suffrage movement and improved access to education for women in science. Co-founded several organizations focused on women's rights and health.
Continue ReadingHermann Oberth
A physicist and engineer contributed significantly to the field of rocketry and space technology. Published the influential book 'Die Rakete zu den Planetenräumen' in 1923, which outlined principles of space travel. Worked with the German Rocket Society and was involved in early developments of the V-2 rocket during World War II. Later emigrated to the United States, where he continued to support and influence space exploration efforts with NASA. His work laid foundational theories for later advancements in astronautics.
Continue Reading