John I of Portugal
King of Portugal and Algarve

Born
April 11th, 1357
668 years ago
Died
August 14th, 1433
591 years ago — 76 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Portugal
Links & References
Ruled as King of Portugal from 1385 until death in 1433. Achieved significant stability and growth in Portugal during the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Strengthened ties with England through the Treaty of Windsor in 1386. Promoted exploration along the African coast, laying groundwork for future expeditions. His reign marked the beginning of a period of expansion for Portugal as a maritime power.
Secured Portuguese sovereignty at the Battle of Aljubarrota
Established the Avis Dynasty
Strengthened English alliance through the Treaty of Windsor
Other People Born on April 11th
K. L. Saigal
A prominent singer and actor from India, significantly influenced the film music of the early 20th century. Career began in the 1930s with a blend of acting and singing. Gained popularity through films such as 'Bhakta Prahlad' and 'Street Singer'. Saigal's unique voice and style left a lasting legacy in the Indian music industry, inspiring many future artists.
Continue ReadingBernard O'Dowd
Contributed significantly to Australian literature and journalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Authored numerous poems, essays, and articles, focusing on social issues and human rights. Played a key role in advocating for Australia's literary identity and independence. Involved in several literary movements and often engaged in political discussions through writings.
Continue ReadingNikola Karabatić
A prominent handball player, achieved significant success at national and international levels. Played for the French national team and club teams including Montpellier Handball and Paris Saint-Germain. Contributed to France winning multiple European Championships, World Championships, and Olympic gold medals. Renowned for skills and leadership on the court.
Continue ReadingHarley Race
A professional wrestler and trainer, significant contributions made to the wrestling industry. Held the NWA World Heavyweight Championship multiple times and became an influential figure in professional wrestling. Transitioned into training, mentoring numerous future stars in the industry. Known for a tough wrestling style and extensive career spanning several decades. Also appeared in various wrestling promotions, including WWE.
Continue ReadingBalls Mahoney
Debuted in professional wrestling in the early 1990s and gained prominence within Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW). Developed a unique character that resonated with fans, utilizing a hardcore wrestling style. Participated in significant events including the ECW One Night Stand. Transitioned to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) after the closure of ECW, where continued to perform until retirement from wrestling. Involved in various independent promotions post-retirement.
Continue ReadingBernhard Schmidt
An Estonian-German astronomer and optician contributed significantly to the field of astronomy through the invention of the Schmidt camera, an optical device that improved wide-field astrophotography. His work enabled astronomers to capture images of celestial objects with enhanced clarity and field of view. The Schmidt camera became a crucial instrument in many observatories around the world, facilitating numerous discoveries in the study of the universe. Schmidt also engaged in various optical experiments and contributed to advancements in lens design, promoting innovation in astronomical instrumentation during his career.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on August 14th
Bertolt Brecht
Born in Germany, a prominent director, playwright, and poet. Developed the theory of epic theatre, emphasizing social and political themes. Created landmark works such as 'The Threepenny Opera' and 'Mother Courage and Her Children', influencing contemporary theatre. Brecht's techniques sought to provoke critical thinking among audiences. His legacy includes the continued use of his methods in modern performance art and literature.
Continue ReadingMaximilian Kolbe
A Polish Franciscan friar, played a significant role in religious activities and community service. Founded the Militia Immaculatae, dedicated to spreading devotion to the Virgin Mary. Imprisoned by the Nazis during World War II for his efforts to help Jews. Volunteered to take the place of a condemned man in Auschwitz, leading to martyrdom. Canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1982.
Continue ReadingJames R. Thompson
Served as the 37th Governor of Illinois from 1977 to 1991. Oversaw significant economic changes and was instrumental in the state's fiscal policies. During tenure, focused on education reform and infrastructure development. Appointed as a member of several influential boards and committees post-governorship, contributing to various public initiatives.
Continue ReadingClifford Odets
A significant figure in American theater, achieved prominence during the 1930s. Played a key role in the development of the social and political themes in drama. Best known for the plays 'Waiting for Lefty' and 'Rocket to the Moon', which reflect the struggles of the working class. Also contributed to film as a screenwriter and director. Worked with prestigious studios, creating memorable works that combined social commentary with compelling storytelling.
Continue ReadingPaul Sabatier
An influential chemist and academic, significant contributions included research in organic chemistry and catalysis. Sabatier's methods led to advancements in hydrogenation processes. In 1912, awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for work on catalytic hydrogenation, which influenced industrial chemical processes. His academic career featured a professorship at the University of Toulouse, where he continued to educate future scientists and expand the field of chemistry.
Continue ReadingSpud Davis
Played professional baseball primarily as a catcher. Competed in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1924 to 1935, representing teams including the Philadelphia Phillies and the St. Louis Cardinals. Selected for the MLB All-Star Game in 1934, showcasing exceptional skills behind the plate. Transitioned to coaching and managerial roles after playing, contributing to the sport's development at various levels.
Continue Reading