Historical Events, Birthdays and Deaths in 1653

1652 1654

What Happened This Year 1653

All Events 5 Births 20 Deaths 11

Born in 1653

Chikamatsu Monzaemon

Japanese playwright and kabuki author

Born

1653 372 years ago

Died

January 6th, 1725 300 years ago — 72 years old

A significant figure in early modern Japanese theater, a playwright who contributed greatly to the development of kabuki and bunraku. Active during the Edo period, created works that explored themes of love and betrayal, often drawing from historical events and tales. Some of the most notable plays include 'The Love Suicides at Sonezaki' and 'The Battles of Coxinga.' Served as a key figure in the popularization of these theatrical forms, blending poetry and drama in unique ways.

Roger North

English lawyer and author of legal texts

Born

1653 372 years ago

Died

March 1st, 1734 291 years ago — 81 years old

An English lawyer and author, this individual contributed to legal literature during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Works included treatises on law and important commentaries on legal principles. The writings often reflected the legal practices and thoughts of the time. Speeches in Parliament in relation to the law also highlighted his engagement with contemporary legal issues. The influence of these texts persisted in legal scholarship.