Lavrentiy Beria

Georgian-Russian general and politician

Lavrentiy Beria - Georgian-Russian general and politician
Born

March 29th, 1899
126 years ago

Died

December 23rd, 1953
71 years ago — 54 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Russia

Links & References

Beria served as a prominent general and politician in the Soviet Union, rising to significant power during the leadership of Joseph Stalin. He was appointed as the head of the Soviet secret police, overseeing state security and intelligence operations. His influence expanded during and after World War II, managing various security apparatuses and contributing to the Soviet atomic bomb project. Following Stalin's death in 1953, Beria briefly held a position of power but was arrested and executed within months during a political power struggle.

Led the Soviet secret police during Stalin's regime

Oversaw the Soviet atomic bomb project

Other People Born on March 29th

Donald Van Slyke

Dutch-American biochemist, developed gasometric analysis.
Born
March 29th, 1883 142 years ago
Died
1971 54 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1883, this biochemist made significant contributions to the field of biochemistry, particularly in the development of methods for gasometric analysis. The work involved determining the concentrations of gases in solutions and laid the groundwork for numerous biochemical analyses. Served as a professor at Columbia University and published extensively in the realm of chemical physiology. Also contributed to the understanding of protein metabolism and developed techniques for measuring blood gases.

Continue Reading

Martin Fleischmann

Chemist known for cold fusion experiments
Born
March 29th, 1927 98 years ago
Died
August 3rd, 2012 13 years ago — 85 years old

A British chemist contributed significantly to the field of electrochemistry and nuclear reactions. Conducted controversial cold fusion experiments in the late 1980s that claimed to achieve nuclear fusion at room temperature. The results sparked widespread interest and debate within the scientific community, leading to further investigation into low-energy nuclear reactions. Worked on techniques involving surface chemistry and developed an early electrochemical cell for measuring ionic concentrations.

Continue Reading

Ernst Jünger

German soldier and influential philosopher
Born
March 29th, 1895 130 years ago
Died
February 17th, 1998 27 years ago — 102 years old

Born in 1895, a soldier during World War I, served with distinction and received the Iron Cross. Transitioned to writing, becoming a significant philosophical voice in postwar Germany. Explored themes of nature, technology, and the human condition in works such as 'Storm of Steel,' an account of war experiences. His later writings expressed views on modernity and existentialism, influencing various intellectual circles until death in 1998.

Continue Reading

Santorio Santorio

Italian biologist, inventor of the thermometer
Born
March 29th, 1561 464 years ago
Died
February 25th, 1636 389 years ago — 74 years old

Born in the late 16th century, this figure contributed significantly to the field of medicine. He served as a physician and focused extensively on physiological studies. The invention of the thermometer marked a major advancement in clinical measurement of body temperature, enhancing medical diagnoses. His work laid foundational principles for later developments in medical science and instrumentation, particularly in measuring vital signs. Additionally, he conducted experiments on the relationship between food intake and respiratory output, leading to significant observations regarding metabolism.

Continue Reading

Ieuan Maddock

Welsh nuclear researcher and scientist
Born
March 29th, 1917 108 years ago
Died
December 29th, 1988 36 years ago — 71 years old

Born in 1917, a Welsh scientist specialized in nuclear research. Contributed extensively to the development of nuclear energy applications and safety protocols. Worked at various institutions, focusing on the physical aspects of nuclear reactions. Engaged in significant research during pivotal periods of nuclear advancements.

Continue Reading

Romesh Bhandari

Diplomat and Foreign Secretary of India
Born
March 29th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
September 7th, 2013 12 years ago — 85 years old

Served as the 13th Foreign Secretary of India and held various diplomatic posts throughout a lengthy career. Engaged in significant negotiations during critical periods in Indian foreign relations. Contributed to shaping India's diplomatic stance in the international arena. Served as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh and as a High Commissioner to several countries, facilitating bilateral relations and cooperation in multiple sectors.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on December 23rd

Seishirō Itagaki

Japanese general and military leader
Born
1885 140 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 1948 76 years ago — 63 years old

A prominent general in the Imperial Japanese Army, served as a military leader during critical periods leading up to and including World War II. Played significant roles in military strategies and operations in China. Contributed to the Japanese military's expansionist policies during the conflict. Held various high-ranking positions within the army, influencing military doctrine and engagement. After the war, faced prosecution as a war criminal. Died in 1948 while still engaged in post-war trials.

Continue Reading

Ar-Radi

Abbasid Caliph during a period of decline
Died
December 23rd, 940 1084 years ago — None years old

Ascended to the position of caliph in 934, serving during a time when the Abbasid Caliphate faced significant challenges, including internal strife and external threats. Ar-Radi's rule coincided with the fragmentation of power among military leaders and regional governors. His reign was marked by a diminishing authority of the caliph in the governance of the Islamic realm. His inability to effectively manage political instability and rivalry among factions in Baghdad illustrated the decline of central authority. The caliphate continued to lose influence over its territories, leading to increased autonomy of local leaders. Ar-Radi's rule ended with his death in 940.

Continue Reading

Matilda of Habsburg

Duchess Regent of Bavaria
Born
1253 772 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 1304 720 years ago — 51 years old

Served as the Duchess Regent of Bavaria after the death of her husband, Duke Ludwig II. Managed the duchy during a turbulent period characterized by political strife and territorial disputes. Actively participated in the governance and defense of the region, ensuring stability and continuity of rule. Expanded her influence in the region through strategic marriages and alliances.

Continue Reading

Jean Harris

Educator involved in a high-profile murder case
Born
1923 102 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 2012 12 years ago — 89 years old

An educator at a prestigious girls' school, a significant incident occurred involving the individual's former partner, who was a prominent physician. The case attracted considerable media attention due to the circumstances surrounding the crime. The trial showcased various aspects of the individual's personal life and relationships, ultimately resulting in a conviction. Following the sentencing, the individual served time in prison and later became a subject of public interest and discussion regarding the complexities of the legal system.

Continue Reading

Huneric

Vandal King and ruler of North Africa
Died
December 23rd, 484 1540 years ago — None years old

Ruled as king of the Vandals and Alans from 477 until death in 484. Governed the Vandal kingdom in North Africa, which included regions of modern-day Tunisia and Algeria. Engaged in a campaign against the Roman Empire, attempting to consolidate territorial gains made by predecessors. Advanced policies favoring Arian Christianity, often resulting in conflict with the Nicene Christians. His reign was marked by internal strife and conflict with the eastern Roman Empire, particularly during the period of the Vandalic War.

Continue Reading

Isabella of Castile

Duchess of York and Spanish Ruler
Born
1355 670 years ago
Died
December 23rd, 1392 632 years ago — 37 years old

Isabella of Castile served as the Queen of Castile and León, ruling alongside her husband Ferdinand II of Aragon. The union of their crowns in 1469 marked the beginning of a unified Spain. Their reign saw the completion of the Reconquista with the conquest of Granada in 1492, leading to the expulsion of Moors from Spain. This period also included the sponsorship of Christopher Columbus's voyage that resulted in the discovery of the Americas. Isabella was instrumental in implementing significant administrative and fiscal reforms. She established the Spanish Inquisition and secured the authority of the monarchy.

Continue Reading