Famous People Who Died In 1680

Shivaji was an Indian warrior-king. He is credited with founding the Maratha Empire, which became a force to reckon with during the 18th century. He is also credited with creating his own navy. Considered one of the most important Indian kings and a hero of the Hindus, Shivaji's life and work have inspired several works of art, including films.

Known as the last Renaissance man, Athanasius Kircher was a German Jesuit priest who taught at the Roman College for 4 decades. He was also obsessed with Sinology and Egyptology, and studied everything from fossils to microbes. He was also interested in medicine and invented machines such as the magnetic clock.

Emperor Go-Mizunoo made history by being the first Japanese emperor to rule throughout the Edo period. Before he acquired the Chrysanthemum Throne, he was known as Kotohito or Masahito. He eventually abdicated the throne for his daughter, Okiko. The Imperial Mausoleum in Kyoto is dedicated to him.

Painter of Dutch-origin Sir Peter Lely spent almost his entire career in England and emerged as the leading portrait-painter to the court of England. Many of his early English paintings reflect influences from Anthony van Dyck whom he succeeded as Principal Painter in Ordinary to the King. Windsor Beauties, a set of portrait paintings, is counted among his notable works.  

Dutch naturalist Jan Swammerdam was the first to detect red blood cells. Though a qualified doctor, he never practiced medicine, and took to research instead. Known for his research on anatomy, he also revolutionized the study of insects, proving that the egg, larva, pupa, and adult are all the same organism.

Thomas Bartholin was a Danish physician, theologian, and mathematician. He is best remembered for discovering the lymphatic system in human beings. Thomas Bartholin is also known as the first person to scientifically describe refrigeration anesthesia, which is widely used today, especially while performing major amputations of the limbs.    

Seventeenth-century soldier Raimondo Montecuccoli, who served the Habsburg Monarchy, is remembered for redefining the art of warfare with his techniques of fortification and siege. He made a significant contribution to the Thirty Years’ War and penned Dell’arte militare, or The Military Art, which remains his most important work.

French classical author Francois de La Rochefoucauld is best known for his use of the maxime, a French epigram. He had initially been part of the army that fought against the Spanish. He later grew up to be the quintessential 17th-century nobleman. His Mémoires and Maximes are his most-talked-about works.

Per Brahe the Younger was a Swedish statesman, soldier, and author. As the Governor General of Finland, Brahe made several administrative reforms. He introduced a postal system, promoted education, and developed commerce and agriculture. Per Brahe the Younger is also credited with founding the town of Raahe as well as the Royal Academy of Turku. 

Thomas Blood was an Anglo-Irish officer best remembered for trying to steal the Crown Jewels of Scotland and England in 1671. He is also remembered for trying to kidnap and kill James Butler, 1st Duke of Ormond. His audacious attempt to steal the Crown Jewels inspired the popular board game, Outrage! The incident also inspired the 1934 movie, Colonel Blood.

Johan Göransson Gyllenstierna was a Swedish statesman best remembered for his insight into international politics. Gyllenstierna supported Charles XI during the Scanian War in 1675 and went on to become Charles XI's indispensable counsellor. Throughout his reign, Johan Göransson Gyllenstierna had a major influence on King Charles XI's political principles.

Li Yu was a Chinese novelist, playwright, and publisher. He is generally credited with authoring a classic of Chinese erotic literature titled Ròu pútuán. Li Yu achieved popularity during his lifetime for dealing with controversial and interesting subject matter like same-sex love. Li is also remembered for his informal essays and gastronomical writings.

Puritan clergyman Thomas Goodwin, also known as the Elder, had served as a chaplain to Oliver Cromwell. He had a major role in drafting the Savoy Declaration and was also made the president of Magdalen College, Oxford. His written works include five volumes of his sermons, published posthumously.