Victor Emmanuel II of Italy
King of Italy and first Italian king
Born
March 14th, 1820
205 years ago
Died
January 9th, 1878
147 years ago — 57 years old
Category
Leaders & Politicians
Country
Italy
Links & References
Served as King of Sardinia from 1849 and became the first King of Italy in 1861. Played a pivotal role in the unification of Italy, overseeing significant military campaigns and political maneuvers that consolidated various states into a single nation. His reign witnessed the annexation of territories, including Lombardy and the Two Sicilies, ultimately leading to the establishment of Italy as a kingdom. Held the throne until death in 1878, leaving a legacy in the formation of modern Italy.
First King of a unified Italy
Oversaw the unification process
Reigned over the Kingdom of Sardinia
Other People Born on March 14th
Ferdinand Hodler
A prominent Swiss painter emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Worked primarily in the styles of Symbolism and realism. Developed a distinctive technique characterized by bold colors and expressive forms. Major themes included the human condition and Swiss landscapes. Contributed significantly to the development of modern art in Switzerland with a focus on emotional depth. Participated in various exhibitions across Europe and received recognition for the unique qualities of his work. His paintings often explored themes of love, death, and the passage of time, reflecting both personal experiences and broader cultural narratives.
Continue ReadingStephen Curry
American basketball player played for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA. Revolutionized the game with exceptional shooting skills, particularly from three-point range. Played a key role in leading the Warriors to three NBA Championships in 2015, 2017, and 2018. Won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2015 and again in 2016, becoming the first unanimous MVP in league history. Regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, has broken multiple records for three-pointers made.
Continue ReadingHeidi Hammel
An American astronomer and academic focused on planetary science. Conducted extensive research on the atmospheres of outer planets. Played a significant role in the scientific community associated with the Hubble Space Telescope, contributing to numerous discoveries regarding the solar system's gas giants. Engaged in various educational initiatives to enhance public understanding of astronomy and space science. Served in leadership roles within professional organizations, promoting research and collaboration in the field.
Continue ReadingMichael Martin Murphey
An accomplished singer-songwriter and guitarist, contributions span several genres, with a focus on country and western music. Gained prominence with the song 'Wildfire,' which reached the top of the charts in 1975. In addition to a successful career in music, involvement in the cowboy culture and advocacy for the preservation of it has been notable. Released numerous albums, with a blend of original songs and traditional cowboy tunes, showcasing storytelling through music. Ongoing performances and recordings have maintained a loyal fan base.
Continue ReadingYves Boisset
Born in 1939, a French director and screenwriter created numerous films and television series. Early works included 1970s political and social dramas, gaining recognition for their critical perspectives. Many films combined suspense with political themes, reflecting contemporary societal issues. Achievements included winning multiple awards at film festivals, contributing to French cinema's evolution during the late 20th century.
Continue ReadingTad Williams
An American author primarily focused on fantasy literature, achieved recognition for the epic fantasy trilogy 'Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn'. Also wrote other series, including 'Otherland' and 'The Shadowmarch'. His works often blend intricate world-building with deep character development, contributing to the genre's evolution. Williams has also written for television, expanding his storytelling into different mediums.
Continue ReadingOther People Who Died on January 9th
Countee Cullen
A prominent figure during the Harlem Renaissance, the individual contributed significantly to American literature through poetry and plays. The work often explored themes of race, identity, and society, with a notable emphasis on African American experiences. Notable poetry collections include 'Color' and 'Copper Sun'. The individual also wrote plays that were performed in New York, enriching the cultural fabric of the era. In addition to literary achievements, involvement in various artistic and social circles characterized this person's career, fostering connections among contemporary thinkers and artists.
Continue ReadingAndy Caldecott
An Australian motorcycle racer participated in numerous editions of the Dakar Rally, recognized for outstanding performances and competitive spirit. Achieved significant success in the Rally, including multiple top finishes. Competed fiercely against the world's best riders and contributed to the sport's growth through participation and sportsmanship. Tragic passing occurred during the 2006 Dakar Rally in Africa, marking a somber moment in rally history.
Continue ReadingDemetrios Chalkokondyles
Played a significant role in the revival of classical Greek literature and philosophy during the Renaissance. Chalkokondyles contributed to the education of several notable students and was instrumental in the dissemination of Greek texts. He established a school in Venice, focusing on the study of ancient Greek and Latin. His scholarly contributions helped bridge the gap between classical antiquity and the humanist thought of the time.
Continue ReadingRoy Tarpley
A professional basketball player played in the NBA primarily with the Dallas Mavericks. Originated from Michigan, displayed significant skills as a center and power forward. Achieved prominence during the late 1980s and early 1990s, contributing to the Mavericks' success during that era. Played collegiate basketball at the University of Michigan before entering the NBA. Career was marked by notable achievements, but also by personal challenges that eventually influenced the trajectory of professional endeavors.
Continue ReadingRashid Khan
An accomplished Indian classical musician, specialized in the khayal and thumri genres, performed extensively in various prestigious venues around the world. Collaborated with numerous renowned artists across different musical styles. Recognized for contributions to the field of Indian music through performances and recordings. Attributed with the preservation and promotion of classical music traditions in contemporary settings.
Continue ReadingWilliam G. Roll
A psychologist and parapsychologist, contributed significantly to the study of psychical research. Engaged in research on poltergeists and survival after death, publishing extensively on these topics. Developed the concept of 'psychokinesis' and conducted various experiments to test this phenomenon. Held the position of Director of the Psychical Research Foundation, where numerous studies were conducted to examine paranormal events and psychological phenomena.
Continue Reading