We often use the term charisma to describe a type of personality, though some may wonder what it actually is. Charisma is actually a special quality that comes from within, giving people an alluring confidence that people admire and want to be around.

Admired people throughout history have all had some form of charismatic trait, leading them to leave an incredible impact on their society. Let’s take a look at some of the most charismatic personalities throughout history and how their presence made an impact on their respective nations.

7. Ancient Egyptians: Queen Cleopatra

One of the most charismatic female leaders throughout history, Queen Cleopatra of the Ptolemaic dynasty, is the face of Ancient Egypt. According to Anne Tempest, author of Cleopatra for Kids, “She was renowned for her intelligence, beauty, and political prowess and was said to be able to charm any man or woman she met.”

Cleopatra became an icon of female empowerment and grace, thanks to her ambition to defend Egyptian interests and her romantic affairs with some of the most powerful men of her time. Her story is one of courage and resilience, which allowed her to seize control of ancient Egypt while facing an onslaught of issues and powerful adversaries. This level of ambition and dominance was very rare in Ancient Egypt and many other societies of the time, making her stand out as one of the most influential characters in the history of the Western world.

6. Ancient Greece: Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great, son of the powerful Macedonian King Philip II, is one of the most well-known figures in history. His charismatic personality was so strong and well known during his time that Plutarch, the Greek biographer, famously wrote that “Through his charm and force of personality he attracted the loyalty of his advisors, soldiers and people.”

It’s no surprise that Alexander was able to achieve the level of success he reached with his large armies. Alexander pushed to spread Hellenistic culture to the Near East, Mesopotamia and the Persian Empire. While unifying cultures, Alexander also used his influence to found 70 cities including Alexandria in Egypt, which was a great center of learning.

Even after his death, his legacy continued. His impact on the world is often credited to his strong presence, determination and charisma.

5. Renaissance Italy: Leonardo da Vinci

Lew Singer, author of Leonardo da Vinci: The Polymath Who Framed the Renaissance, describes Leonardo da Vinci as having the “ability to draw people to him and win the respect of almost everyone he met.”

Leonardo was considered a genius during the Renaissance period and is still recognized as such today. He was a multi-talented artist, inventor, and scientist, known for his works such as the Mona Lisa and the Vitruvian Man. Unlike many others of his time, Leonardo revolutionized art and science for centuries to come.

4. Industrial Revolution: Martin Luther King

Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the most influential figures of the Civil Rights Movement in the United States. He was a charismatic leader who inspired millions with his powerful speeches and nonviolent activism.

In The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr., King’s charisma is evident in his ability to mobilize people and create change. His famous “I Have a Dream” speech remains one of the most iconic moments in American history and continues to inspire people around the world.

3. Prohibition: Al Capone

Al Capone, an infamous American mobster, was one of the most charismatic figures of the Prohibition era. He rose to fame through the illegal activities he conducted in the criminal underworld of Chicago.

Capone was known for his wit, charm and articulation, qualities which enabled him to become popular even in the most underground of circles. His magnetic personality enabled him to be feared and adored simultaneously and he was known for his ability to show emotion and empathy, despite his violent criminal lifestyle.

These features enabled him to gain immense influence over the public, leading him to become “Public Enemy Number One” and making him the most notorious mobster in American history.

3. Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill was a British politician and Prime Minister during World War II. He was known for his courage, intelligence, and eloquence, making him the perfect leader for Britain during the war.

Churchill had an extreme presence and wit that he used to great effect in motivating the British people to carry on their fight. Even during times of utter despair, he encouraged his citizens to persevere:

“We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France, we shall fight on the seas and oceans, we shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air, we shall defend our Island, whatever the cost may be. We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”

His charisma enabled him to gain popular support from the people and unite them in a victorious effort against their enemies.

3. Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great, son of the powerful Macedonian King Philip II, is one of the most well-known figures in history. His charismatic personality was so strong and well known during his time that Plutarch, the Greek biographer, famously wrote that “Through his charm andforce of personality he attracted the loyalty of his advisors, soldiers andpeople.”

It’s no surprise that Alexander was able to achieve the level of success he reached with his large armies. Alexander pushed to spread Hellenistic culture to the Near East, Mesopotamia and the Persian Empire. While unifying cultures, Alexander also used his influence to found 70 cities including Alexandria in Egypt, which was a great center of learning.

Even after his death, his legacy continued. His impact on the world is often credited to his strong presence, determination and charisma.

Sources
  • Singer, Lew. Leonardo da Vinci: The Polymath Who Framed the Renaissance. Morrisville, North Carolina, 2017.
  • Sperber, Jonathan. Karl Marx: A 19th-Century Life. New York, 2013.
  • Tempest, Anne. Cleopatra for Kids: Her Life and Legacy. Chicago, 2017.