What Happened This Year 1717

Born in 1717

Peter III

Portuguese king, King of Portugal
Born
July 5th, 1717 307 years ago
Died
1786 239 years ago — 69 years old

Became king of Portugal in 1760 following the death of his predecessor. His reign lasted only a few months as he faced internal opposition and was eventually overthrown in a coup. Despite a brief tenure, his rule was characterized by attempts to expand Portuguese influence and a focus on colonial matters.

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Blind Jack

English engineer and road builder
Born
August 15th, 1717 307 years ago
Died
1810 215 years ago — 93 years old

Born in England, an innovative engineer who specialized in road construction. Overcame blindness at a young age and became a prominent figure in the development of transport infrastructure during the 18th century. Pioneered the use of turnpikes and influenced the design of coaching routes. Established a reputation for creating strong and durable roads, significantly enhancing accessibility and trade.

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Job Orton

English minister and author of sermons
Born
September 4th, 1717 307 years ago
Died
1783 242 years ago — 66 years old

An English minister and author contributed significantly to religious literature in the 18th century. Served as a pastor at a congregational church in the city of London. Authored numerous works, including sermons that addressed moral and theological issues of the time. Edited and published collected works of notable theologians to disseminate their ideas further. Played a vital role in the dissemination of Nonconformist thought and was involved in preaching and teaching.

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Horace Walpole

Historian and politician, author of 'The Castle of Otranto'
Born
September 24th, 1717 307 years ago
Died
March 2nd, 1797 228 years ago — 79 years old

An English historian and politician, contributed significantly to literature and political thought during the 18th century. Served as a member of the Parliament for several years, focusing on Whig policies. Gained recognition for literary works, particularly as the author of 'The Castle of Otranto', which is considered the first Gothic novel. Established Strawberry Hill House in Twickenham, which became a center for intellectual discourse and a showcase of Gothic Revival architecture.

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Jean le Rond d'Alembert

French mathematician and philosopher
Born
November 16th, 1717 307 years ago
Died
October 29th, 1783 241 years ago — 65 years old

Born in 1717, contributions spanned mathematics, physics, and philosophy. Collaborated with Denis Diderot on the 'Encyclopédie', promoting Enlightenment ideas. Developed the d'Alembertian operator and made advances in fluid mechanics and differential equations. Served as a prominent member of the French Academy of Sciences, influencing the development of modern science.

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George Konissky

Orthodox Archbishop and Theologian
Born
November 20th, 1717 307 years ago
Died
February 13th, 1795 230 years ago — 77 years old

An Orthodox archbishop contributed significantly to religious thought through preaching and philosophy. His theological insights shaped the practices within the archdiocese. Engaged in various ecclesiastical duties, he guided his congregation and participated in regional theological discourse. His writings reflect a synthesis of orthodox beliefs and philosophical inquiry, establishing a theological framework for future generations. His role as a leader in the church extended to pastoral care, education, and community engagement during his tenure.

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Johann Joachim Winckelmann

German archaeologist and historian
Born
December 9th, 1717 307 years ago
Died
June 8th, 1768 256 years ago — 50 years old

Birth occurred in 1717 in Germany. Played a pivotal role in the establishment of modern archaeology and the study of classical art. His seminal work, 'History of Ancient Art', offered critical insights into Greco-Roman art and culture. Winckelmann's ideas on aesthetics influenced later artists and historians, marking a significant turn in art history scholarship. Died in 1768.

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Elizabeth Carter

English poet and translator
Born
December 16th, 1717 307 years ago
Died
February 19th, 1806 219 years ago — 88 years old

Born in 1717, contributions included poetry and translations of works from Greek and Latin to English. Published original poems that reflected philosophical themes and cultural matters. Became associated with prominent intellectual circles of the time and engaged in the study of classical literature. Notable for her translation of Epictetus's Enchiridion. Also recognized for her friendships with notable figures of her time, serving as a correspondent and supporter of the intellectual community.

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Pope Pius VI

Pope and Papal diplomat; Concordat of 1776
Born
December 25th, 1717 307 years ago
Died
1799 226 years ago — 82 years old

Papal reign spanned from 1775 to 1799. Focused on diplomatic relations during the tumultuous period of the French Revolution. Engaged in negotiations with various monarchs and states to maintain the integrity of the papacy. Strengthened the church's presence in the Americas through the Concordat of 1776 with Spain. Faced challenges from the encroaching secular powers and the rise of revolutionary sentiments, ultimately leading to imprisonment and exile by the French in 1798.

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