Xu Xiake

Chinese geographer and explorer

Xu Xiake - Chinese geographer and explorer
Born

January 5th, 1587
438 years ago

Died

March 8th, 1641
384 years ago — 54 years old

Category

Explorers & Adventurers

Country

China

Links & References

An influential figure in Chinese geography, this individual contributed greatly to the field through extensive travel and exploration. Mapping various regions across China, documented topography, geology, and the environment. The writings included detailed accounts of landscapes and cultural observations, forming a significant part of geographical knowledge in China. Work focused on the provinces including Yunnan and Sichuan, which presented valuable insights into the natural features and ethnic cultures of these areas. Writings were published and disseminated, serving as a reference for future explorations.

Authored 'Xu Xiake's Travel Diaries'

Conducted extensive surveys of southern China

Other People Born on January 5th

W. D. Snodgrass

American poet and Pulitzer Prize winner
Born
January 5th, 1926 99 years ago
Died
January 13th, 2009 16 years ago — 83 years old

Born in 1926, this poet gained recognition for personal and confessional poetry. The collection 'Heart's Needle' won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1960, highlighting themes of loss and memory. Contributions to the field included numerous publications in various literary magazines, as well as participation in academia as a teacher. Influence extended to the next generation of poets through workshops and mentorship.

Continue Reading

Matt Ballin

Australian rugby league player
Born
January 5th, 1984 41 years ago

A rugby league player who played as a hooker. Ballin had a professional career mainly with the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles in the NRL. He contributed to the team's success during his tenure, participating in multiple premiership matches and representative games. His skills on the field were recognized when he played for the Queensland Country side.

Continue Reading

Hayao Miyazaki

Animator and director of animated films
Born
January 5th, 1941 84 years ago

An animator, director, and screenwriter who co-founded Studio Ghibli, produced numerous acclaimed animated films. Directed works include 'Spirited Away', which won an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature, and 'My Neighbor Totoro', which became a cultural icon. Also worked on 'Princess Mononoke' and 'Howl's Moving Castle', both celebrated for their storytelling and animation style. His films often explore themes of environmentalism and pacifism.

Continue Reading

Francisco Suárez

Spanish philosopher and theologian
Born
January 5th, 1548 477 years ago
Died
1617 408 years ago — 69 years old

A significant figure in Early Modern philosophy and theology, contributed to the development of scholasticism and influenced various philosophical currents. Authored works such as 'Disputationes Metaphysicae', which explored metaphysics and the nature of being. Served as a prominent priest and professor at the University of Salamanca, where diverse philosophical ideas were fostered. Engaged with topics such as law, ethics, and political theory, shaping ideas on natural rights and the relationship between church and state during a pivotal era in European thought.

Continue Reading

John Manley

Canadian lawyer and Deputy Prime Minister
Born
January 5th, 1950 75 years ago

A prominent Canadian lawyer and politician, served as the 8th Deputy Prime Minister of Canada. Participated in significant government roles, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Industry. Contributed to key negotiations and policies during the 1990s, particularly regarding trade agreements and international relations. Engaged in various initiatives aimed at enhancing Canada's technological capacity and economic competitiveness.

Continue Reading

Zemgus Girgensons

Ice hockey player for the Buffalo Sabres
Born
January 5th, 1994 31 years ago

Born in Latvia, an ice hockey player emerged in the sport's competitive leagues. He played for the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League (NHL) and gained recognition as one of the few Latvian players in the league. He made significant contributions during the international tournaments as a member of the Latvian national team.

Continue Reading

Other People Who Died on March 8th

Kate Wilhelm

Science fiction author and novelist
Born
1928 97 years ago
Died
March 8th, 2018 7 years ago — 90 years old

An American author recognized for contributions to science fiction literature, particularly through novels and short stories. Achievements include co-founding the Clarion Science Fiction Writer's Workshop, which has nurtured many aspiring writers in the genre. Received multiple Hugo and Nebula Awards, marking significant recognition within the literary community. Works often explore themes of societal implications of technological advancements and human relationships.

Continue Reading

Edward Terry Sanford

United States Assistant Attorney General
Born
1865 160 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1930 95 years ago — 65 years old

Served as the United States Assistant Attorney General and as a jurist. Appointed to the United States Supreme Court, authored substantial opinions that shaped jurisprudence. His tenure on the court included significant cases that impacted civil rights and federal authority.

Continue Reading

Povel Juel

Norwegian civil servant and official
Died
March 8th, 1723 302 years ago — None years old

Born around 1673, contributed significantly to the Norwegian civil administration during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Served as a key civil servant in various governmental roles. His tenure witnessed the consolidation and reform of administrative processes in Norway, which were crucial for the country's governance. Juel played an instrumental role in local governance and contributed to the development of civic structure in the region.

Continue Reading

John Ericsson

Swedish-American engineer and inventor
Born
July 31st, 1803 221 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1889 136 years ago — 85 years old

Swedish-American engineer and inventor contributed significantly to naval engineering and mechanical design. Developed the first practical marine screw propeller, which transformed naval architecture. Engineered the ironclad warship USS Monitor during the American Civil War, notable for its battle against the CSS Virginia. His work in steam power included the design of various ships and improvements in engine efficiency.

Continue Reading

Cipto Mangunkusumo

Indonesian independence leader
Born
1886 139 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1943 82 years ago — 57 years old

A prominent figure in Indonesia's struggle for independence, contributed to the movement against Dutch colonial rule. Influenced political thought and organized various efforts towards achieving self-governance. Actively participated in the establishment of the Indonesian National Party and worked to unite different factions for a common cause. Engaged in journalism, writing articles advocating for national rights and independence. His leadership role emphasized the importance of education and social awareness in mobilizing the masses for independence.

Continue Reading

William Walton

English composer and orchestral music creator
Born
March 29th, 1902 123 years ago
Died
March 8th, 1983 42 years ago — 80 years old

A prominent English composer, played a significant role in 20th-century classical music. Created numerous orchestral works, including symphonies, concertos, and chamber music. Served as the composer for the 1947 film 'Henry V' which remains one of the landmark scores in cinema. Worked with notable orchestras and gained acclaim for choral works such as 'Belshazzar's Feast.'

Continue Reading