Born on June 4

Muslim philosopher, sociologist, historiographer and historian

Pope from 1523 to 1534, Clement VII was a sovereign pontiff from the powerful Medici family. His pontificate was marked by the Sack of Rome in 1527 and his refusal to annul the marriage of Henry VIII of England, which triggered the Anglican schism.

Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army during the American War of Independence, George Washington became the first President of the United States (1789–1797). A Virginia planter and slaveholder, he embodies the contradictions of the young Republic — torn between ideals of liberty and the reality of slavery.

Italian mezzo-soprano born in 1966 in Rome, Cecilia Bartoli is one of the greatest opera singers of her generation. A specialist in baroque and classical repertoire, she has brought to light many forgotten works by Vivaldi, Salieri, and Agostino Steffani.