Lucrezia Stefanini
Italian tennis player, WTA singles title
Competed professionally in tennis. Achieved a career-high singles ranking within the top 100 of the WTA. Reached the quarterfinals at multiple WTA events. Represented Italy in international competitions, contributing to national success in team formats.
Won one WTA singles title
Ranked in the top 100 of the WTA
Competed in the Billie Jean King Cup
Other People Born on May 15th
Pierre Curie
French physicist, Nobel Prize laureate
Born
May 15th, 1859 166 years ago
Died
April 19th, 1906 119 years ago — 46 years old
A physicist and academic, contributed significantly to the study of radioactivity. Worked alongside Marie Curie in the early 20th century. Received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903 for joint research on radiation phenomena. Made foundational contributions to piezoelectricity and magnetism, advancing understanding in these fields. His work laid the groundwork for future research in radioactivity and its applications.
Continue ReadingSukhdev Thapar
Indian freedom fighter and activist
Born
May 15th, 1907 118 years ago
Died
March 23rd, 1931 94 years ago — 23 years old
A prominent figure in the Indian independence movement, advocacy for the rights of Indians under British rule marked this individual's contributions. Involvement in the revolutionary activities against colonial oppression took shape through association with the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association. Engaged in organizing protests and spreading political awareness among the youth, this individual played a pivotal role in galvanizing support for the independence movement. Executed alongside fellow freedom fighters, the sacrifice left a lasting legacy in the struggle for India's freedom.
Continue ReadingLevi Lincoln Sr.
American politician and Attorney General
Born
May 15th, 1749 276 years ago
Died
1820 206 years ago — 71 years old
Served as the 4th United States Attorney General from 1801 to 1805 under President Thomas Jefferson. Played a significant role in the administration, particularly in the legal matters of the federal government. Active in Massachusetts politics, served as a member of the Governor's Council and as the Lieutenant Governor. Instrumental in the establishment of several laws and policies, advocating for the rule of law and justice during early governance.
Continue ReadingSébastien Le Prestre de Vauban
French military engineer and fortification expert
Born
May 15th, 1633 392 years ago
Died
March 30th, 1707 318 years ago — 73 years old
A prominent French military engineer, contributions centered on the development of fortified cities and modern military architecture. Served as a marshal of France under Louis XIV. Advanced the art of fortification through principles that emphasized geometric design and comprehensive defensive systems. Authored several treatises on military engineering, influencing the design of fortresses in Europe for centuries.
Continue ReadingKatherine Anne Porter
American short story writer and novelist
Born
May 15th, 1890 135 years ago
Died
September 18th, 1980 45 years ago — 90 years old
A prominent writer, produced significant works in literature, focusing on themes of human experience and social justice. Best recognized for short stories and novels that explore the complexities of life, reflecting on personal and collective struggles. Received accolades for literary contributions, including winning the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1966 for the novel 'Ship of Fools'. Her mastery of prose captures a range of emotions and insights, establishing a strong presence in American literature.
Continue ReadingUlrich Beck
German sociologist and risk society theorist
Born
May 15th, 1944 81 years ago
Died
January 1st, 2015 11 years ago — 70 years old
A prominent sociologist, contributed significantly to social theory with the concept of 'risk society.' Focused on the implications of modernity and globalization, examining how societal risks shape human behavior and institutional responses. Authored influential works, including 'Risk Society: Towards a New Modernity' and 'The Reinvention of Politics.' Explored themes of individualization, ecological crisis, and the transformation of social structures. Established a framework for understanding the relationship between risks and societal changes.
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