Toba

Emperor of Japan during the Heian period

Toba - Emperor of Japan during the Heian period
Born

1103
922 years ago

Died

July 20th, 1156
869 years ago — 53 years old

Category

Leaders & Politicians

Country

Japan

Links & References

Ascended the throne in 1107 and reigned until 1123. His reign is characterized by the continued decline of imperial power and the increasing influence of the Fujiwara clan. Known for the establishment of the cloistered government system, which allowed emperors to exercise power from religious retirement. After abdication, he remained influential as a cloistered emperor for several years, actively participating in the politics of the court until his death. The era was marked by cultural developments including the flourishing of Japanese literature and art.

Reigned as Emperor of Japan from 1107 to 1123

Established a cloistered government system

Engaged in court politics after abdication

Other People Who Died on July 20th

René Bazin

French author and academic of literature
Born
December 26th, 1853 171 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1932 93 years ago — 78 years old

This individual was a prominent French author and academic, recognized for contributions to literature in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As a member of the Académie Française, this figure achieved prominence through a range of works that explored themes of nature, spirituality, and social issues. Works included 'L'Invasion' and 'Notre-Dame de Paris', which showcased narrative depth and literary skill. In addition to writing, served in academia, influencing a generation of writers and readers.

Continue Reading

William D. Leahy

Admiral and U.S. Ambassador to France
Born
1875 150 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1959 66 years ago — 84 years old

Graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1900. Served in various capacities during World War I and World War II, including as Chief of Naval Operations. Appointed as the first U.S. Ambassador to France after World War II, holding this position from 1944 to 1948. Contributed to military strategy and operations during his naval career and played a significant role in post-war diplomatic relations.

Continue Reading

Leo XIII

Pope of the Catholic Church
Born
1810 215 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1903 122 years ago — 93 years old

Served as Pope from 1878 until death in 1903. Focused on social issues and the relationship between the Church and the modern world. Promoted the Rerum Novarum encyclical, which addressed the rights of workers and the responsibilities of employers. Engaged in diplomacy to increase the influence of the Vatican in international affairs.

Continue Reading

Kamal Dasgupta

Bengali music director and composer
Born
1912 113 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1974 51 years ago — 62 years old

A Bengali music director and composer, contributed significantly to the folk and film music landscape of Bengal. Worked extensively in Bengali cinema during the mid-20th century and created a unique blend of traditional folk melodies with contemporary music. Dasgupta produced numerous songs that resonated with the cultural sentiments of the region. His compositions helped popularize folk music and inspired many artists. Dasgupta's collaboration with various renowned singers and poets of the time further enriched his musical repertoire. His work continues to influence Bengali music.

Continue Reading

Bernhard Riemann

Mathematician and creator of Riemann surfaces
Born
September 17th, 1826 198 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1866 159 years ago — 39 years old

A mathematician contributed significantly to the fields of analysis, differential geometry, and number theory. Riemann introduced concepts such as Riemann surfaces and Riemannian geometry, which laid the groundwork for modern mathematical analysis and theoretical physics. The Riemann Hypothesis, a conjecture regarding the distribution of prime numbers, remains one of the most important unsolved problems in mathematics. Riemann's methods also influenced later developments in complex analysis and topology.

Continue Reading

Enguerrand de Monstrelet

French historian and author of Chronicles
Born
1400 625 years ago
Died
July 20th, 1453 572 years ago — 53 years old

Enguerrand de Monstrelet was a French historian active during the 15th century. Focused on the Hundred Years' War, he authored 'Chronicles' which provides a detailed account of the conflict from 1400 to 1440. The work serves as a critical primary source for historians studying this period. Monstrelet documented military campaigns, political events, and social conditions of his time, contributing significantly to the historiography of the late medieval era. His writings shed light on the intricacies of warfare and the lives affected by ongoing conflicts, solidifying his role in preserving the historical narrative of France during a tumultuous period.

Continue Reading