James I of Aragon
King of Aragon and Catalonia
Ruled as King of Aragon from 1213 until death in 1276. Unified the Kingdom of Aragon and expanded its territories through military campaigns. Conquered Valencia and established the Kingdom of Valencia as a part of the Crown of Aragon. He also played a crucial role in the unification of the Catalan territories under Aragonese rule. Contributed to the development of a legal code for the Kingdom and promoted trade and cultural exchanges within his realms.
Conquered Valencia in 1238
Unified the Kingdom of Aragon
Established the Kingdom of Valencia
Other People Born on February 2nd
Ieroklis Stoltidis
Greek footballer and Olympiakos player
Born
February 2nd, 1975 51 years ago
Born in 1975, a professional football player with a career predominantly in Greece. Played as a midfielder with notable stints at clubs including Olympiakos and AEK Athens. Won multiple domestic league titles and participated in European competitions. Contributed to the team's midfield strength and tactical execution during his playing years. Retired from professional football and became involved in coaching roles within the sport.
Continue ReadingOsamu Kido
Japanese professional wrestler champion
Born
February 2nd, 1950 76 years ago
Died
2023 3 years ago — 73 years old
Born in 1950, a professional wrestler who competed primarily in Japan. Achievements included winning multiple championships and being recognized for contributions to the sport. Competed in various wrestling promotions, showcasing talent and skills over decades. Transitioned to roles such as teaching and training future generations of wrestlers, influencing the wrestling community significantly.
Continue ReadingVěra Chytilová
Czech film director, notably Daisies
Born
February 2nd, 1929 97 years ago
Died
March 12th, 2014 12 years ago — 85 years old
An influential figure in the Czechoslovak New Wave, contributions as a director included acclaimed films that challenged traditional narratives. Daisies, released in 1966, became a landmark of feminist cinema, exploring themes of female identity and rebellion. The director's innovative techniques and social critique garnered attention both domestically and internationally. Other significant works include The Fruit of Paradise and The Apple Game, which further established a distinct voice in filmic storytelling.
Continue ReadingEllie Bamber
Actress known for 'Nocturnal Animals'
Born
February 2nd, 1997 29 years ago
Debuted in the BBC series 'The Catastrophist' in 2014. Gained recognition for the role in 'Nocturnal Animals' (2016), receiving critical acclaim. Starred in the adaptation of 'Les Misérables' in 2019, portraying Cosette. Appeared in 'The Conclave' in 2022, a significant role that showcased her acting range.
Continue ReadingShamita Shetty
Indian actress in Bollywood films
Born
February 2nd, 1979 47 years ago
An actress primarily active in Bollywood, notable roles include performances in films such as 'Mohabbatein', 'Zeher', and 'Cash'. Gained recognition for participation in reality television, particularly in 'Bigg Boss'. Involved in various philanthropic efforts and has engaged in public events promoting health and wellness.
Continue ReadingGregory Mertens
Belgian footballer
Born
February 2nd, 1991 35 years ago
Died
2015 11 years ago — 24 years old
Played as a defender in professional football. Began career at SC Lokeren, where multiple appearances were made. Joined KSC Lokeren in 2010, participating in the Belgian Pro League. Suffered a cardiac arrest during a match in 2015, which led to untimely passing. His story highlighted the importance of health screenings for athletes.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on July 27th
Ferruccio Busoni
Italian pianist and composer
Born
April 1st, 1866 160 years ago
Died
July 27th, 1924 102 years ago — 58 years old
Born in 1866, a prominent Italian pianist, composer, and conductor gained recognition for contributions to classical music and innovative piano techniques. Developed a unique synthesis of different musical styles, merging traditional classical forms with elements of modernism. Served as a conductor for various orchestras, showcasing orchestral works, and teaching music to aspiring musicians. Published seminal treatises on musical interpretation and composition, which influenced future generations of musicians.
Continue ReadingEdna O'Brien
Irish novelist, playwright, and poet
Born
December 15th, 1930 95 years ago
Died
July 27th, 2024 2 years ago — 93 years old
Born in 1930, this writer began her career in the 1960s, focusing on themes of female identity and social constraints in Irish society. The debut novel, 'The Country Girls', faced controversy for its candid portrayal of women's lives. O'Brien published numerous novels, plays, and short stories, often drawing on personal experiences and historical events. In addition to fiction, she wrote screenplays and adapted her works for stage and cinema, enhancing her profile in the literary world.
Continue ReadingIlya Segalovich
Russian businessman, co-founder of Yandex
Born
1964 62 years ago
Died
July 27th, 2013 13 years ago — 49 years old
A businessman focused on technology and internet services, played a pivotal role in establishing a leading search engine and technology company in Russia. Co-founded Yandex in 1997, which became one of the largest internet companies in Europe. Contributed significantly to the development and expansion of various internet services in Russia.
Continue ReadingSamuel Pisar
Polish-American lawyer and author
Born
March 18th, 1929 97 years ago
Died
July 27th, 2015 11 years ago — 86 years old
Born in Poland, an early life was marked by the horrors of World War II, including imprisonment in Nazi concentration camps. After the war, resettlement in the United States occurred, leading to a legal education at Harvard Law School. A prominent lawyer, worked on international law and human rights. Authored several books, including a memoir detailing wartime experiences and advocacy for Holocaust survivors. Pisar became an influential figure in promoting human rights globally.
Continue ReadingAleksandr Danilovich Aleksandrov
Mathematician and physicist, mountaineer
Born
August 4th, 1912 114 years ago
Died
July 27th, 1999 27 years ago — 86 years old
A prominent mathematician and physicist, contributed significantly to several fields within science. Worked in mathematics, particularly in topology and functional analysis, publishing numerous papers that advanced theoretical frameworks. Engaged in physics research that involved mathematical models. Additionally, pursued mountaineering, reaching high peaks and exploring challenging terrains, which complemented his scientific pursuits. Received honors for contributions to mathematics and education, mentoring future generations in the discipline.
Continue ReadingGertrude Stein
American novelist and playwright.
Born
February 3rd, 1874 152 years ago
Died
July 27th, 1946 80 years ago — 72 years old
A prominent figure in American literature, associated with the modernist movement. Published influential works including 'Three Lives' and 'Tender Buttons', which showcased innovative narrative techniques and structures. Actively participated in the Parisian art scene, hosting salons that attracted prominent artists and writers, including Pablo Picasso and Ernest Hemingway. Engaged in experimental writing and often challenged conventional forms of literature. Contributed to the development of avant-garde literature and played a key role in shaping modernist thought in the 20th century.
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