This reference guide focuses on the core question of when a person was born and when they died, framing these dates as anchors for understanding historical context and legacy. Accurate birth and death information supports research, education, and respectful commemoration across disciplines.
The following structured overview, keyword sections, and FAQ provide a clear, scannable pathway to essential facts and insights related to a specific individual.
| Name | Born | Died | Age at Death | Primary Era |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leonardo da Vinci | 15 April 1452 | 2 May 1519 | 67 | High Renaissance |
| William Shakespeare | 23 April 1564 | 23 April 1616 | 52 | Elizabethan/Jacobean |
| Marie Curie | 7 November 1867 | 4 July 1934 | 66 | Early Modern Science |
| Nelson Mandela | 18 July 1918 | 5 December 2013 | 95 | Global Human Rights Era |
| Alan Turing | 23 June 1912 | 7 June 1954 | 41 | World War II/Computer Age |
Historical Context and Lifespan
Understanding when someone was born and when they died situates their work within the political, social, and technological currents of their time. These dates help explain the influences they absorbed and the obstacles they faced.
For example, Leonardo da Vinci was born in the thriving Republic of Florence during the Early Renaissance and died in Amboise, France, as the High Renaissance matured, which shaped access to patronage and cross-disciplinary experimentation.
Key Events and Contributions
Between birth and death, individuals often catalyze advancements that redefine fields or societies. Mapping major milestones between these dates reveals the trajectory of impact.
- Marie Curie conducted pioneering research on radioactivity, establishing foundational principles for modern physics and chemistry.
- Nelson Mandela transitioned from armed resistance to negotiated reconciliation, shaping South Africa's democratic transition.
- Alan Turing's theoretical work on computation laid groundwork for artificial intelligence and modern cryptography.
Legacy and Memorials
How a person is remembered often evolves after their death, influenced by cultural movements, reinterpreted historical records, and preserved artifacts. Legacy reflects both contemporary achievements and enduring influence.
William Shakespeare's plays, first performed in the late 16th and early 17th centuries, continue to be reinterpreted globally, demonstrating how language and story transcend the era in which someone was born and when they died.
Primary Sources and Documentation
Reliable documentation such as birth and death certificates, official registries, and contemporaneous correspondence provides verifiable evidence for dates. Cross-referencing multiple sources reduces ambiguity.
Biographical archives related to figures like Marie Curie and Alan Turing include laboratory notes, published papers, and institutional records that corroborate timelines and contextualize professional contributions.
Applying These Insights
Use verified dates to frame analysis, compare multiple figures systematically, and communicate findings with clarity and precision.
- Verify dates through authoritative primary sources before drawing conclusions.
- Contextualize each person within their specific political, cultural, and technological environment.
- Cross-reference events between birth and death to identify patterns of influence.
- Document discrepancies transparently and assess their impact on interpretation.
- Update records as new evidence emerges to maintain accuracy over time.
FAQ
Reader questions
Why do accurate birth and death dates matter for historical research?
They anchor individuals within specific socio-political conditions, enabling accurate comparisons, causal analysis, and chronological framing across events and movements.
How can conflicting records be resolved when sources disagree on dates?
Researchers prioritize primary documents such as official registries, then triangulate with secondary sources, letters, and eyewitness accounts to establish the most probable timeline.
Can gaps in birth or death dates affect our understanding of someone’s influence?
Yes, missing information can obscure contextual factors, hinder chronological placement, and limit insights into how an individual’s work evolved across their lifespan.
Are there notable cases where disputed dates change historical interpretation?
Disputed dates can alter perceived influences, reshape periodization, and affect attribution of ideas, making careful source criticism essential for credible historical narratives.