Historical Events May 20 Portuguese explorer João da Nova Castell discovers the Ascension Islands Famous Birthdays May 6 Marcellus II [Marcello Cervini], Italian humanist and Pope (1555, 22 days), born in Montefano, Marche, Papal States (d. 1555) Famous Deaths May 22 Robert Gaguin, French writer/diplomat (Arte Metrificandi), dies at 66 1500 History by Year 1502 Famous People Who Were.. Abolitionists Dictators Explorers Outlaws Queens Spies