Jose Rizal (1861-1896) was a Filipino nationalist and polymath during the tail end of the Spanish colonial period of the Philippines. He was an advocate for reforms in the Philippines during Spanish rule and is considered one of the greatest heroes of the country. He is widely known for his novels Noli Me Tángere and El filibusterismo, as well as his participation in the Propaganda Movement. He was executed by the Spanish colonial authorities on December 30, 1896 for the crime of rebellion.