Music, art, math, and inventions — history is full of influential people and their iconic works that have shaped our way of life and the entire world. From leaders to inventors to creators, these 12 historical figures were deemed influential and made an impact that we still feel to this day.

1. Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar transformed Rome from a Republic into an Empire, and laid the foundation for Latin as a language. Not to say that he did not have his vices (just read Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare), Caesar’s military campaigns, alliances, and diplomatic efforts expanded Rome to its highest point in world history and by the time of his death he had unified the vast majority of the known world.

2. Jesus

Though his exact existence is debatable, Jesus has been one of the most influential figures in religious history and his impact is undeniable — he has been a model of ethical and religious thinking, and his teachings have inspired millions of believers across the world until this day.

3. Muhammad

Muhammad, founder of the Islamic faith, was another figure that had a major influence on world history — thanks to his revelations, not only was the religion of Islam founded, but the Arabic language and culture became spread out with the expansion of the religion. It was his teachings that provided the foundation for Islamic civilization and the core beliefs that millions of Muslims follow today.

4. Confucius

Confucius, the Chinese philosopher and teacher, had a major influence on how philosophers and generations after him viewed human relationships and obligations. His teachings were based on his belief that moral order is essential for a stable government and that everyone’s behavior should be based on benevolence and justice — something that many people today still believe in.

5. Alexander the Great

“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.”– Alexander the Great

Widely regarded as one of the most successful military commanders in human history, Alexander the Great began his campaign at the young age of 22 and by his death he had created one of the largest empires of the ancient world, stretching as far east as India. He was greatly respected as he spread Greek culture into the east and introduced Western leadership, art, and science to the world — something that changed the world’s perception of the ancient times forever.

6. Queen Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I was one of the most influential monarchs to ever rule England, expanding English influence and power for centuries. She was a notorious leader and pushed for social reforms, religious toleration and sound fiscal policy — such as the introduction of the Royal Navy. Her actions allowed England to become a dominant player in European political and military affairs, as well as a prominent member of the global economy.

7. Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte was one of the most powerful and influential political leaders of Europe in the late eighteenth century. He was a capable military leader, and his reforms and codes of laws reformed the French society and ensured rule of law and individual rights — reforms that are still present in modern day France and many countries worldwide.

8. Louis XIV

Also known as the “Sun King”, Louis XIV is widely considered one of the greatest monarchs in the world — not just because he introduced lavish and opulent life to the court of France, but because the way he handled himself as a leader inspired political reforms, agricultural innovation, and foreign diplomacy. He was a leader of great power and finesse, which inspired generations of leaders to this very day.

9. Genghis Khan

Genghis Khan is renowned as one of the world’s greatest conquerors and one of the most important figures in Mongolian history. At the height of his rule, Genghis Khan was lord ruler of an empire that extended from China to the Mediterranean — a feat that no one has come close to achieving since. He also encouraged religious freedom, science and technology and ushered in an era of relative peace, making him an incredibly influential figure, to this day.

10. Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria was revered as the most influential monarch ever to rule England — her ruling of over four decades enabled her to build the world’s greatest empire and ushered in a period of reforms and progress that is still studied in modern day. It was during her reign that the industrial revolution began, women gained the right to vote, and an empire based on justice and progress was established.

11. Albert Einstein

“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”– Albert Einstein

No list of influential people would be complete without Einstein — the legendary scientist changed science, philosophy and the way we think. His theories of relativity and his world famous equation E=mc² revolutionized physics, and are studiied by students around the world today. His influence extends to the fields of mathematics, science, and economics, and he is often cited as one of the most influential scientists of all time.

12. Mahatma Gandhi

The leader of the Indian independence movement and father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi is credited with accelerating the process of India’s independence from the British rule of India. His nonviolent methods of resistance won him many supporters and propelled India to gain its rightful freedom. Today, his philosophy of non-violence and peaceful resistance is studied and applied around the world.

History makers don’t just make a mark on a page or on a canvas. They make marks that last throughout time, making a significant contribution to the evolution of the world that we live in today. Their influence is still felt today and will continue to be felt for many years to come.

Sources

  • Shakespeare, William. Julius Caesar. 2005. Penguin Group.
  • Sayre, Henry M. Discovering the Humanities. Third Edition. 2010. Pearson Education.