Philip II
Duke of Burgundy, notable statesman

Born
January 17th, 1342
683 years ago
Died
February 3rd, 1618
407 years ago — 276 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
France
Links & References
Born in 1342, Philip II became the Duke of Burgundy and played a significant role in the politics of France and the Low Countries during the late 14th century. His reign was marked by territorial expansion and the consolidation of power in Burgundy. Philip II sought to enhance the Burgundian influence both economically and politically by forming strategic alliances, including marriages into prominent royal families. He was involved in several conflicts during the Hundred Years' War and focused on strengthening Burgundy's autonomy from the French crown. His contributions helped establish the Burgundian state as a notable entity in medieval Europe, with a focus on developing trade, culture, and governance.
Served as Duke of Burgundy from 1363
Strengthened Burgundian autonomy and influence
Expanded territorial holdings in modern-day Belgium and France
Other People Born on January 17th
A. Thangathurai
A lawyer and politician, served as a member of the Parliament of Sri Lanka. Engaged in advocating for the rights of the Tamil minority community. Played a significant role in political activities aimed at addressing issues facing Tamils in the country. Participated in various political parties and movements, contributing to discussions on the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka.
Continue ReadingAntonio Maria Valsalva
Contributed significantly to the fields of anatomy and otology. Conducted extensive studies on the anatomy of the ear and introduced detailed descriptions of the middle ear, which laid the foundation for future research in this area. Published works on anatomy, including the influential book 'De Aure Humana,' which detailed the structure of the ear and its functions. Worked at the University of Bologna, influencing medical education and practice in Italy during the late 17th century.
Continue ReadingDenis O'Hare
Born in 1962, a prominent actor and singer gained recognition for a wide range of performances across stage and screen. Notable roles include the character of Liz Taylor in the television series 'American Horror Story' and the role of Thomas Jefferson in the Broadway musical 'Something Rotten!'. The performances received critical acclaim and contributed to a successful career in entertainment. Apart from acting, involvement in various theatrical productions showcased talent in both dramatic and musical genres.
Continue ReadingKyle Tucker
Professional baseball player, primarily played as an outfielder. Made significant contributions to the Houston Astros, helping the team secure the 2022 World Series title. Demonstrated strong batting skills and defensive abilities throughout his career. Notable for consistency in performance and capability to deliver in crucial moments during postseason games.
Continue ReadingMoira Shearer
This individual was a prominent ballerina and actress, gaining recognition for her role in the film The Red Shoes. Trained at the Sadler's Wells Ballet School, performance career included dancing for the Royal Ballet. Transitioned to film, where The Red Shoes gained critical acclaim and won two Academy Awards. Her artistry combined classical ballet with acting, leading to notable performances on stage and screen. With a career spanning decades, involvement in both dance and film left a lasting legacy.
Continue ReadingLeigh Whannell
An Australian actor, director, screenwriter, and producer. Co-created the 'Saw' franchise, which began in 2004 and became one of the most successful horror series in film history. Directed the 2020 film 'The Invisible Man', earning critical acclaim. Also contributed as a writer for various projects in horror and thriller genres.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on February 3rd
Johnny Claes
Achieved recognition as a race car driver and a trumpet player. Competed in numerous sports car races during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans representing various teams, showcasing skills in endurance racing. Also pursued a career in music, particularly in jazz, performing with various ensembles. Achievements in racing included participation in the European Championship and winning several national titles.
Continue ReadingK'inich Yo'nal Ahk I
Ruled the ancient Maya city of Piedras Negras, contributing to the region's political and cultural development. Initiated significant construction projects, including temples and monuments, that honored the city's leaders and deities. Celebrated for important inscriptions and stelae that documented key historical events and achievements during the reign. The influence of this ruler extended through alliances and conflicts with neighboring city-states, shaping the historical dynamics of the Maya civilization until death in 639 AD.
Continue ReadingWilliam D. Coolidge
Contributions to physics and engineering included significant advancements in X-ray technology. Developed the Coolidge tube, an innovation that improved X-ray imaging quality and efficiency, which played a crucial role in medical diagnostics. Work in the field of thermionic emission led to further exploration in electron microscopy. Registered numerous patents during a prolific career, contributing to both academic and practical aspects of engineering.
Continue ReadingHenry Brooke
An English politician held the title of 11th Baron Cobham and served as Lord Lieutenant of Kent. Active in the political landscape during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, served in various roles that influenced the governance and administration of the region. Engaged in local and national matters during a time of significant political change. Additionally, faced challenges related to his family's legacy and connections within the court.
Continue ReadingErnst Mayr
A prominent figure in the field of evolutionary biology and ornithology, this individual contributed significantly to systematics and species concepts. Authored several influential works, including 'Systematics and the Origin of Species,' which shaped modern taxonomy. Served as a professor at Harvard University and engaged in extensive studies of tropical birds during field research in the Caribbean and South America. Played a vital role in enhancing the understanding of speciation processes.
Continue ReadingSihyaj Chan K'awiil II
Ruled the ancient city of Tikal during the Late Classic period of Mesoamerican history. Initially assumed power around the early 6th century and was a significant political figure among the Maya. Oversaw major architectural and cultural developments in Tikal, which included the construction of temples and monuments. Sihyaj Chan K'awiil II played a crucial role in the empire's expansion and influence across the region, establishing Tikal as a dominant force in the Maya Lowlands.
Continue Reading