James II of Aragon

Aragonese monarch, led the Crown of Aragon

James II of Aragon - Aragonese monarch, led the Crown of Aragon
Born

August 10th, 1267
758 years ago

Died

1327
698 years ago — 60 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Spain

Links & References

Born in 1267, ascended to the throne of Aragon in 1291. Expanded the Crown of Aragon by uniting it with the Kingdom of Majorca and later took control of Sicily after a successful campaign. Involved in the establishment of the Aragonese language and culture, promoting its use during his reign. Played a significant role in the politics of the Mediterranean, particularly through alliances and military ventures against rival kingdoms. His reign marked a period of consolidation for the Crown of Aragon, which became a powerful entity in medieval Spain.

Consolidated the Crown of Aragon

Occupied the Kingdom of Sicily

Promoted the Aragonese language

Other People Born on August 10th

Wolfgang Paul

German physicist and Nobel laureate
Born
August 10th, 1913 112 years ago
Died
1993 32 years ago — 80 years old

Contributed significantly to the field of physics, particularly in the area of ion capture techniques. Developed the Paul trap, which allowed for the trapping of ions using electromagnetic fields. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1989 for advancements in ion trapping and its applications in precision spectroscopy. Held various academic positions, influencing future generations of physicists.

Continue Reading

Juan Manuel Santos

Colombian President and Peace Advocate
Born
August 10th, 1951 74 years ago

A businessman and politician, served as the 59th President of Colombia from 2010 to 2018. Spearheaded the peace negotiations with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to end over five decades of conflict, resulting in a historic peace accord in 2016. Focused on economic development, social equity, and strengthening international relations during presidency. Previously held several ministerial positions, including Minister of Defense, where strategies were implemented to reduce violence and improve security in the country.

Continue Reading

Alfred Döblin

Physician and author of 'Berlin Alexanderplatz'
Born
August 10th, 1878 147 years ago
Died
June 26th, 1957 68 years ago — 78 years old

Born in 1878 in Poland, engaged in the field of medicine and literature. Authored the novel 'Berlin Alexanderplatz', which became a significant work in modernist literature, depicting the life of the urban poor in Berlin during the Weimar Republic. In addition to fiction, contributed to medical and political discussions through essays and articles. Emigrated to France during the rise of the Nazi regime and continued to write until his death in 1957.

Continue Reading

Jay Cooke

Financier, founded Jay Cooke & Company
Born
August 10th, 1821 204 years ago
Died
1905 120 years ago — 84 years old

A prominent American financier, contributed significantly to the development of the northern U.S. railroads. Founded Jay Cooke & Company, which played a crucial role in financing the construction of the Northern Pacific Railroad. This venture helped expand the rail network and promote westward expansion. Cooke's firm also engaged in various financial activities and was involved in funding the Union during the Civil War. He faced financial difficulties in the 1870s, leading to the collapse of his firm, which impacted the broader financial markets.

Continue Reading

Haifaa al-Mansour

Film director and producer of Wadjda
Born
August 10th, 1974 51 years ago

A prominent Saudi Arabian filmmaker, this individual gained international recognition with the film Wadjda, the first feature film shot entirely in Saudi Arabia. The film tells the story of a young girl who dreams of owning a bicycle against societal norms. After founding the Saudi Film Festival, the filmmaker has also produced various short films and documentaries, aiming to highlight gender issues and cultural narratives in the region. Education included studying at the University of Sydney and the University of Texas.

Continue Reading

Rick Overton

Screenwriter and comedian
Born
August 10th, 1954 71 years ago

A screenwriter, actor, and comedian emerged in the comedy scene in the 1980s. Began performing stand-up comedy and quickly transitioned into acting, gaining recognition for roles in television and film. Appeared in the series 'The Larry Sanders Show' and the film 'Groundhog Day'. Worked alongside various comedians and actors throughout a lengthy career, contributing to both scripted and improvisational comedy. Maintained a presence in both film and television while contributing significantly to comedic writing and performance.

Continue Reading