Pope Gregory VIII
Pope during the Third Crusade

Born
1100
925 years ago
Died
December 17th, 1187
837 years ago — 87 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Italy
Links & References
Elected as pope in 1187, this religious leader played a significant role during the Third Crusade. His papacy was marked by efforts to rally support for Christian forces against Muslim armies. The pontiff issued the papal bull 'Audita Tremendi' to encourage European monarchs to unite for the campaign to reclaim Jerusalem following its capture by Saladin. His tenure as pope lasted only a few months until his death later that year.
Issued the papal bull 'Audita Tremendi'
Led support for the Third Crusade
Other People Who Died on December 17th
Don Ellis
A prominent trumpet player and composer in the jazz genre, contributed significantly to the fusion of jazz with other musical elements. Led the Don Ellis Orchestra, which gained recognition for its innovative arrangements and use of unusual time signatures. Composed and arranged music for films, including notable work for the motion picture "The French Connection." Experimented with different instruments and extended the boundaries of jazz music, influencing future generations of musicians.
Continue ReadingEva Ekvall
Served as a journalist and authored literary works. Won the title of Miss Venezuela in 2000. Elected to represent Venezuela at the Miss Universe pageant. Engaged in social issues, particularly raising awareness about breast cancer after her diagnosis. Ekvall's work focused on media and communication within the Venezuelan context.
Continue ReadingKim Jong-il
Served as the Supreme Leader of North Korea from 1994 until 2011. Assumed leadership following the death of Kim Il-sung, the nation's founder and his father. Oversaw the country's nuclear weapons development program, which led to increased tensions with the international community. His tenure was marked by a strong cult of personality and an emphasis on military-first policies, leading to significant military expansion.
Continue ReadingJames McCaffrey
An American actor gained recognition for work in television and film. Best known for portraying Detective Sam Tyler in the series 'Life on Mars', which aired from 2006 to 2007. Appeared in other productions such as '24', 'The Killing', and 'The Last Ship'. McCaffrey also had a successful career in voice acting, contributing to notable video games, including the 'Max Payne' series. His performances garnered a loyal fanbase.
Continue ReadingJennifer Jones
An accomplished actress in American cinema, recognized for a career that spanned several decades. Featured in critically acclaimed films such as "The Song of Bernadette," which earned an Academy Award for Best Actress. Starred in major productions like "Duel in the Sun" and "Love is a Many-Splendored Thing." Established a prominent presence in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s, known for her exceptional acting ability and on-screen charisma. Received multiple nominations and awards throughout her career, solidifying her status as one of the leading actresses of her time.
Continue ReadingBenjamin A. Gilman
Served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1973 to 1998. Participated in World War II as a soldier in the Army, where significant contributions included leadership roles. Actively engaged in international relations, particularly in Latin America and Eastern Europe during the post-Cold War era. Advocated for veterans' issues and supported various community initiatives throughout the congressional tenure.
Continue Reading