José Rizal
1861–1896 · Filipino (Calamba / Manila / various European cities) · Philippine Revolution, Late 19th Century
Known for: Philippine national hero—novelist, doctor, and martyr whose execution by Spain sparked the Philippine Revolution
Rizal was a polymath—ophthalmologist, novelist, poet, sculptor, and linguist who spoke 22 languages. His novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo exposed Spanish colonial abuses and inspired the Philippine Revolution. He was executed by firing squad at 35, becoming the Philippines' greatest national hero.
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