Top 12+ Historical Figures You Should Learn About

History is full of influential people who accomplished a lot in their lives, and they shouldn't be forgotten. Here are some of the most significant people who left a lasting impact that can still be felt to this day.

Julius Caesar (100-44 B.C.)

Julius Caesar is the most famous Roman figure possibly ever. He was a general in the Roman Army whose military campaigns helped facilitate the expansion of the Roman Empire. He later became a dictator before being famously assassinated by people he deemed his allies.

Cleopatra VII (69-30 B.C.)

Cleopatra VII was last leader during the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. She was regarded as an intellectual and amazing politician. She managed to create powerful allies in Rome and sought to restore some of Egypt's greatness. In the modern day, many people see her as one of the most beautiful woman who lived.

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519)

Leonardo da Vinci may be mostly known for his amazing Renaissance paintings, but he was much more than just an artist during his productive life. He not only created amazing art like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, but he also did important research into anatomy and engineering. It was his curiosity that drove him to design such strange inventions.

Martin Luther (1483-1546)

Not to be confused with the political activist, Martin Luther King Jr, Martin Luther was a German theologian who, through his literature, challenged the Catholic Church's practices. He believed in salvation through faith and questioned the church and its "indulgences" at the time. He established a branch of Christianity called Protestantism with changed the way a lot of European's worshipped.

Marie Curie (1867-1934)

Marie Curie made strides in the scientific field, devoting much of her life to the research of radiation. She was the first woman to ever win a Nobel Prize in two different categories - Chemistry and Physics. Thanks to her contributions, advancements in medical treatment and nuclear energy were made.

Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948)

Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most well-known historical figures around the world. He uniquely rebelled against British rule while advocating for non-violence. He became such a powerful symbol because of his commitment to peace and social justice above all else.

Nelson Mandela (1918-2013)

Nelson Mandela fought against the clutches of the Apartheid regime in South Africa and went on to become the first black president the country had ever seen. His dedication to justice and equality is what made him such a powerful leader and inspired movements all over the world.

Albert Einstein (1879-1955)

Albert Einstein was a brilliant theoretical physicist who established the well-known theory of relativity. He found a relationship between mass and energy, creating the equation E = mc². Even today, the work he did is relevant in the scientific field.

Rosa Parks (1913-2005)

Rosa Parks is celebrated as a pivotal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement. Her refusal to give up her bus seat to a white passenger sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott, a crucial event in the fight against racial segregation. Parks’ bravery symbolizes resistance against injustice and has inspired generations to advocate for civil rights.

Frida Kahlo (1907-1954)

Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter known for her vibrant self-portraits that explore identity, pain, and femininity. Her unique style combined elements of Mexican culture with surrealism. Kahlo’s work has gained international acclaim, making her an icon of feminism and LGBTQ+ rights while challenging societal norms through her art.

Emmeline Pankhurst

Emmeline Pankhurst was a British political activist who played a crucial role in the women's suffrage movement. She founded the Women's Social and Political Union (WSPU) in 1903, which employed militant tactics to demand voting rights for women.

Nikola Tesla (1856-1943)

Nikola Tesla was an inventor and electrical engineer known for his contributions to the development of alternating current (AC) electricity supply systems. His innovations, including the Tesla coil and advancements in wireless communication, laid the groundwork for modern electrical engineering.