Born on This Day: February 24

Moroccan traveler whose account of journeys across Africa, Asia, and Europe became a major source on the medieval world.

Habsburg ruler whose vast domains and conflicts shaped European politics, religion, and empire in the sixteenth century.

German philologist and folklorist who, with his brother Jacob, preserved influential folk tales and advanced language scholarship.

American painter whose depictions of war, work, sea, and nature became central to American art.

Italian poet, composer, and librettist whose collaborations helped shape major works of late Romantic opera.

American baseball player whose all-around excellence helped define the early professional game.

American admiral whose Pacific command was decisive in Allied victory during World War II.

American technology entrepreneur whose leadership in personal computing, digital media, and mobile devices reshaped modern communication.