Memorable Historic Leaders/Figures and their Impact to the Western Civilization (3000BCE - 1500CE)

Augustus, Octavian Caesar (63 BCE - 14CE)

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Augustus Caesar was a clever and ambitious boy who obtained the position as first Emperor of Rome. Augustus spoke, saying he acted for the "glory" of the Roman Republic, not for his own personal powers. He addressed to the citizens of Rome by claiming that he led a frugal and modest life. Augustus efficiently reorganized Roman life throughout the entire empire. During his reign as emperor, Augustus restored peace and prosperity to the people and changed nearly all of Roman life.

Julius Caesar (100-44 BCE)

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Julius Caesar was known as both a good leader and a bad one. Caesar's ability to rise through the rankings fast and the strength to command armies at such a young age are great examples of his natural leadership abilities. While his leadership as a dictator, Caesar continued to improve Rome by fixing their tax system and improving the usage of a calendar.

Trajan (98-117 AD)

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Trajan is best known for his leadership role as a General who expanded the Roman Empire to meet its maximum extent until his death in August of 117. His reign as an Emperor is also remembered for his "philanthropy, public projects and enlarged social welfare which benefited the public." Trajan is also remembered for "Trajan's Column", it was an innovative art form that commemorated for the Dacian Wars.

Marcus Aurelius (161-180 CE)

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The Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius ruled for roughly 19 years, during that he has maintained a reputation for being an ideal leader whom Plato referred to as the Philosopher King. Also, his book "Meditations" has inspired other great leaders for many centuries because of its timeless wisdom about human behaviors, that helped them achieve greatness.

Alexander the Great (356-323 BCE)

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Alexander the Great took hold of the concept of how to create a loyal empire that would achieve conquering the world. He constantly demonstrated his extremely impressive leadership skills as Alexander was at the face of every battle, and showing impressive characteristics of his courage and bravery. The empire he ruled became worldwide and his achievements were known as being "super-human."

Constantine the Great (306-337 AD)

337

Constantine the Great started to conquer the neighboring kings and leader with his large armies. He slowly started expanding out his portion of the Roman Empire. The people began to see him as a good leader. He also stopped the persecution of the Christians in his territory. Constantine made Christianity the main religion of Rome, and created Constantinople, which became the most powerful city in the world for that time.

King Philip ll (359 BCE)

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King Philip II became Macedonia's leader in 359, and was officially named their king by 357 BCE. He used his skilled military experience and diplomatic tactics to expand his beloved country's territory and influence, and also ending up taking over almost of all of his neighboring Greek City-States. The army that the king developed was to help him establish his great empire. His army let him to turn Macedonia from "a second-rate power into a major Greek power."

Christopher Columbus (1492)

1492

Christopher Columbus was a navigator and sailor who explored the Americas under the influence of Spain. Most people think of him as the "discoverer" of America, but this is not necessarily true. Christopher's adventures across the Atlantic ocean paved the direction for European colonization and exploitation of the Americas. He not only caused the founding of the United States, Mexico and Canada, but shaped other nations as well. He reshaped parts of the world.

Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519)

1519

Leonardo da Vinci is primarily known for being a famous painter from the Renaissance. He is especially remembered for two specific works of art: "Mona Lisa" and "The Last Supper." He decisively influenced artistic trends in his own time and even this day of age. However, he is also important for being extremely intelligent, with interests that included anatomy, many other branches of science, architecture, and technology.

Niccolo Machiavelli (1469-1527)

1527

Niccolo Machiavelli gained the nickname of "the father of modern political philosophy and political science." For many years he served as a senior official in the Florentine Republic with a handful of responsibilities in diplomatic and military affairs. In his free time he wrote comedies, carnival songs, and poetry. Machiavelli's best ideas had a major impact on political leaders throughout the modern west, and helped create new technology, such as the printing press.