Sebastian of Portugal

Portuguese King and military leader

Sebastian of Portugal - Portuguese King and military leader
Born

1554
471 years ago

Died

August 4th, 1578
447 years ago — 24 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Portugal

Links & References

Ruled as King of Portugal from 1557 until his death in 1578. Ascended to the throne at a young age, facing challenges in maintaining power and stability in the kingdom. Launched military campaigns aimed at expanding Portuguese influence in North Africa, notably the disastrous Battle of Alcácer Quibir in 1578. His forces suffered a significant defeat, leading to his disappearance and ultimately complicating the succession of the Portuguese throne.

Ruled as King of Portugal during a tumultuous period

Led the military campaign at the Battle of Alcácer Quibir

Other People Who Died on August 4th

Billy Sherrill

Record producer and songwriter of country music
Born
November 5th, 1936 89 years ago
Died
August 4th, 2015 10 years ago — 78 years old

A prominent figure in the country music scene, played a significant role in shaping the genre from the 1960s through the 1980s. Worked extensively with artists such as George Jones and Tammy Wynette, contributing to numerous hit records. Developed a reputation for the 'countrypolitan' sound, blending traditional country with pop music elements. As a songwriter, penned many successful compositions that became classics in the country genre. Influenced a generation of musicians and producers with innovative approaches to arrangement and production.

Continue Reading

Jules Lemaître

French playwright and literary critic
Born
April 27th, 1853 172 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1914 111 years ago — 61 years old

Born in 1853, a playwright and critic contributed significantly to French literature. Lemaître achieved prominence with works that highlighted dramatic art and theatrical reform. As a literary critic, he offered insights through various publications, enhancing the understanding of contemporary theater. His critiques greatly influenced the perception of playwrights during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Continue Reading

Samuel J. Tilden

American lawyer and Governor of New York
Born
February 9th, 1814 211 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1886 139 years ago — 72 years old

Served as the 28th Governor of New York from 1874 to 1876. Acted as a key figure in the Democratic Party, particularly during the contentious 1876 presidential election. His efforts in political reform included a campaign against the corruption prevalent in the Tammany Hall political machine. Played a significant role in the constitutional crisis that followed the disputed election results, which remains a pivotal moment in U.S. history.

Continue Reading

Tsung-Dao Lee

Nobel Prize-winning physicist
Born
November 24th, 1926 98 years ago
Died
August 4th, 2024 1 years ago — 97 years old

A Chinese-American physicist, contributions included work in particle physics and the development of the theory of parity violation in weak interactions. This pivotal work established that certain physical processes are not symmetrical, leading to significant advancements in the understanding of fundamental forces. His collaboration with Chen-Ning Yang resulted in the formulation of concepts that reshaped the field and earned the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1957. Lee has served as a professor at several prestigious institutions, influencing generations of physicists.

Continue Reading

Pierre de Rigaud

Governor of Louisiana during French regime
Born
November 22nd, 1698 326 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1778 247 years ago — 79 years old

Served as Governor of Louisiana from 1753 to 1763, overseeing the province during a significant period of French colonial rule. Implemented various administrative reforms and enhanced the military presence in the region. Facilitated trade and colonial expansion in the Mississippi Valley. Played a key role in defending Louisiana against British encroachments during the Seven Years' War.

Continue Reading

Timothy Ruggles

American lawyer and politician
Born
October 20th, 1711 314 years ago
Died
August 4th, 1795 230 years ago — 83 years old

A prominent American lawyer, jurist, and politician, this figure played a significant role in early colonial governance. Born in 1711, served as the first Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1766 to 1773. Participated in various colonial assemblies and was influential in legal affairs during a time of growing tensions with Great Britain. Upon the call for independence, aligned with Loyalist views, leading to a contentious relationship with revolutionary forces. Found himself exiled during the American Revolution due to political differences.

Continue Reading