Born on January 20

Pulcheria (399-453) was an Eastern Roman (Byzantine) empress, daughter of Emperor Arcadius. As regent for her brother Theodosius II during his minority, she wielded major influence over the politics and religious affairs of the Empire for nearly half a century.

Italian Catholic prelate of the 19th century, elevated to the dignity of cardinal within the Roman Curia. He carried out his duties in the context of the Papal States, at a time of deep tensions between the Church and the emerging national states of Europe.

French chemist and illustrator (1758–1836), essential collaborator of Antoine Lavoisier. She translated English scientific treatises and created the engravings for the landmark "Elementary Treatise on Chemistry" (1789), contributing to the chemical revolution.

French physicist and mathematician, Ampère is the founder of electrodynamics. He established the mathematical laws governing the interactions between electric currents and magnetic fields. The international unit of electric current, the ampere, bears his name.

French physician and educator, a pioneer in the education of children with intellectual disabilities. A student of Itard, he developed a physiological method of education before emigrating to the United States, where he influenced Maria Montessori.

Federico Fellini (1920-1993) was an Italian filmmaker and screenwriter, a major figure in world cinema. A master of a dreamlike, baroque style, he left his mark on the history of the seventh art with films such as La Dolce Vita and La Strada.

An American astronaut, he was the second man to walk on the Moon during the Apollo 11 mission on July 20, 1969. A former combat pilot in Korea and holder of a doctorate in orbital mechanics, he contributed to the development of space rendezvous techniques.

David Lynch (1946-2025) was an American filmmaker, photographer, painter, and musician. A major figure in independent cinema, he is famous for his dreamlike, surreal universe blending strangeness and unease.