Hypatia, often called Hypatia of Alexandria, was a Greek mathematician, astronomer and philosopher in Egypt, then a part of the Eastern Roman Empire. She was the head of the Neoplatonic school at Alexandria, where she taught philosophy and astronomy. According to contemporary sources, Hypatia was murdered by a Christian mob after being accused of exacerbating a conflict between two prominent figures in Alexandria: the governor Orestes and the Bishop of Alexandria. For some historians, Hypatia’s death symbolized the end of Classical antiquity. She was born born c. AD 350-370 and died in 415.
Franz Ferdinand was an Archduke of Austria-Este and the heir presumptive to the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Initially he was only third in line to the throne, but after his cousin’s suicide and his father’s unexpected death due to illness, Ferdinand was made the heir to the throne. His assassination in Sarajevo, the capital of Bosnia, precipitated Austria-Hungary’s declaration of war against Serbia. This caused the Central Powers (including Germany and Austria-Hungary) and Serbia’s allies to declare war on each other, starting World War I. Ferdinand was born on December 18, 1863 and died on June 28, 1914.
Indira Gandhi was an Indian politician who served as the third Prime Minister of India for three consecutive terms (1966-77) and a fourth term (1980-84). Gandhi was the second female head of government in the world. She was the first woman to become prime minister in India. She was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards in 1984 in retaliation for ordering Operation Blue Star.
Note: “I am here today, I may not be here tomorrow. I shall continue to serve till my last breath, and when I die every drop of my blood will strengthen India and keep a united India alive.” – Indira Gandhi’s last speech
An English musician and singer-songwriter who rose to worldwide fame with The Beatles and later married Yoko Ono. Lennon was murdered in New York City in 1980. I have depicted him in his Abbey Road suit from 1969 (which recently sold for $46,000). This is character #3 of my eight-day Music Week. Yes, I work on this 8-bit character project eight days a week.
An African-American Muslim minister and human rights activist. As a spokesman for the Nation of Islam he taught black supremacy. After he left the Nation of Islam in 1964, he became a Sunni Muslim, but was assassinated a few months later while giving a speech. Here is a relevant song: “Wake Up” by Rage Against the Machine.
Prominent leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He worked to end racial segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience. When he was assassinated in 1968, his efforts had been refocused on ending poverty and stopping the Vietnam War. Watch King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech or listen to “Let Freedom Ring” by Flocabulary.
P.S. “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
Roman general who played a critical role in building the Roman Empire. He had a long-term relationship with Cleopatra but could not marry her under Roman law. He was assassinated by a group of senators, led by Brutus, on the Ides of March. Et tu, Brute?
Political leader of India during the Indian independence movement whose philosophy was founded on nonviolence. He inspired campaigns for civil rights and freedom across the world.
