Top 20 famous leaders who are the most influential of all times

Top 20 famous leaders who are the most influential of all times

The world has experienced numerous inspirational leaders throughout history. Great leaders influence people around them, earning them recognition around the globe. These famous leaders challenged and conquered old ideologies and traditions. These are the famous leaders who are the most influential of all time.

From (L-R) George Washington, Queen Victoria of England and Nelson Mandela
From (L-R) George Washington, Queen Victoria of England and Nelson Mandela are among the most famous leaders in the world. Photo: Smith Collection, Imagno, Chris Jackson (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

TABLE OF CONTENTS

We compiled the list of famous leaders by examining their contributions to society and their historical significance. We used data from National Geographic, the History Channel, and news sites like The BBC. Note that the list is not in any particular order. This list is not exhaustive, and individual opinions on the significance of each leader may vary.

20 famous leaders of all time

Great leaders have inspired generations with their actions. Famous leaders are known for fighting for great causes that have changed the world. From Alexander the Great to Joan of Arc, here is a list of famous leaders who have walked the earth.

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NameTitle
1Alexander the Great King of Macedonia
2Julius Caesar Roman Ruler
3Cleopatra VII Queen of Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt
4CharlemagneKing of the Franks
5Queen Elisabeth I Queen of England
6Napoleon Bonaparte French Emperor
7Abraham Lincoln American President
8Thomas JeffersonAmerican President
9Mahatma Gandhi Indian political and social activist
10Catherine the GreatRussian Emperor
11Nelson MandelaSouth African President
12Winston Churchill British Prime Minister
13Martin Luther King Jr. American Civil Rights Activist
14Vladimir LeninSoviet Union leader
15Benito MussoliniItalian leader
16Joseph StalinSoviet Union politician
17Mao ZedongChinese politician
18Queen VictoriaQueen of England
19George Washington American President
20Joan of ArcFrench heroine

1. Alexander the Great

A portrait of Alexander the Great in battle
Alexander the Great in the Battle of Issus, ca. 310 B.C., based on The Battle of Issus Roman. Photo: House of the Faun, Pompeii, Italy.
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Alexander III of Macedonia
  • Date of birth: 356 BCE
  • Age: 32 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Pella, Macedonia

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Alexander the Great is one of the most famous people in the world. He is known for his unparalleled military skills, and throughout his 13-year reign, Alexander the Great never lost a battle.

2. Julius Caesar

A black and white portrait of Julius Caesar (c100-44 BC)
Julius Caesar (c100-44 BC) was one of Rome's most capable generals, as demonstrated by his conquest of Gaul in the 50s BC. Photo: Historica Graphica Collection (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Gaius Julius Caesar
  • Date of birth: 12 July 100 BCE
  • Age: 55 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Rome, Italy

Julius Caesar is one of the most famous leaders in the world. He was a Roman ruler described as a military and political genius.

3. Cleopatra VII

Sally-Ann Ashton admires one of the statues of Cleopatra
Sally-Ann Ashton admires one of the statues of Cleopatra VII at the launch of a new exhibition at The British Museum in London on 10 April 2001. Photo: Adrian DENNIS
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Cleopatra VII Thea Philopator
  • Date of birth: 70/69 BCE
  • Age: 39 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Alexandria, Egypt

The queen of Egypt was one of the most dynamic rulers of Egypt's Ptolemaic Kingdom. Cleopatra VII was a diplomatic leader who engaged other rulers like Julius Caesar, who led Egypt through challenging periods.

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4. Charlemagne

Portrait of the Emperor Charlemagne holding a rod and a cross
Portrait of the Emperor Charlemagne, circa 790. Photo by Keystone-France (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Karl der Große
  • Date of birth: 2 April 748
  • Age: years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Austrasia (now part of Germany)

Charlemagne, also known as the 'Father of Europe', was one of the most famous individuals in history. His leadership qualities led to his becoming the first Holy Roman Emperor.

5. Queen Elizabeth I

Portrait of Queen Elisabeth I in a royal gown and a crown
Portrait of Queen Elisabeth I. (1553-1603). Around 1575. Painting by Nicholas Hilliard. Photo: Imagno (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Elizabeth Tudor
  • Date of birth: 7 September 1533
  • Age: 69 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Greenwich, London, England

Queen Elizabeth I was the daughter of the infamous King Henry VII. During the Elizabeth Age, England became one of the notable powers in Europe.

6. Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon on Horseback at the St. Bernard Pass
Napoleon on Horseback at the St. Bernard Pass by Jacques-Louis David 1801. Located in: Musee du Louvre, Paris, France. Photo: Francis G. Mayer (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Napoleone di Buonaparte
  • Date of birth: 15 August 1769
  • Age: 51 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Ajaccio, Corsica, France

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The French Emperor rose to power after leading the French Revolution. Napoleon Bonaparte was an inspirational leader who encouraged the French people to believe in destiny.

7. Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln sitting and leafing through documents
The 16th American president, Abraham Lincoln (1809 - 1865), sitting and leafing through documents, Washington, D.C. Photo: Hulton Archive (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Abraham Lincoln
  • Date of birth: 12 February 1809
  • Age: 56 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Larue County, Kentucky, United States

Abraham Lincoln was an American politician and lawyer elected the 16th President of the United States on 4 March 1861. Throughout his term, Abraham Lincoln worked to unite a nation torn by the Civil War.

8. Thomas Jefferson

Portrait of Thomas Jefferson
Portrait of Thomas Jefferson by Rembrandt Peale circa 1805. Photo: US National Archives (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Thomas Jefferson
  • Date of birth: 13 April 1743
  • Age: 83 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Shadwell, Virginia, United States

Thomas Jefferson was a diplomat, lawyer, architect, philosopher, and one of America's founding fathers. At 33, he was elected the third president and wrote the Declaration of Independence.

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9. Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi enjoys a laugh with his two granddaughters
At Birla House in New Delhi, Mahatma Gandhi enjoys a laugh with his two granddaughters, Ava and Manu. Photo: Brettman
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
  • Date of birth: 2 October 1869
  • Age: 78 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Porbandar, India

The Indian activist became the leader of the nationalist movement opposing British rule in India. Mahatma Gandhi helped Indians become independent, earning him the name Father of the Nation.

10. Catherine the Great

A portrait of Catherine the Great
Catherine II (1729-96), Empress of Russia, 1749-1782. Creator: Vigilius Erichsen. Photo: Heritage Art (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Catherine II
  • Date of birth: 2 May 1729
  • Age: 67 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Szczecin, Russia

Catherine the Great was the emperor of Russia and one of the most famous female leaders in history. She became the longest-ruling emperor of Russia and made Russia one of the most powerful European empires.

11. Nelson Mandela

Former President Nelson Mandela of South Africa in a green and white shirt
Former President Nelson Mandela of South Africa speaks to visitors on March 8, 1999, at his residence in Houghton, a suburb of Johannesburg. Photo: Per-Anders Pettersson
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela
  • Date of birth: 18 July 1918
  • Age: 95 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Mvezo, South Africa

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Nelson Mandela was the first black President of South Africa. He was imprisoned for 27 years and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.

12. Winston Churchill

A black and white photo of Winston Churchill in a black suit and a white shirt
British Conservative politician Winston Churchill in April 1939. Photo: Evening Standard
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill
  • Date of birth: 30 November 1874
  • Age: 90 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Blenheim Palace, United Kingdom

The two-time Prime Minister was the voice of Britain during one of its most tumultuous periods. Winston Churchill tried to unite the country and bring it to victory during significant setbacks.

13. Martin Luther King Jr.

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King in a black suit, white shirt and a black and white tie
A close-up of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Photo: Brettman
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Date of birth: 15 January 1929
  • Age: 39 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United States

Martin Luther King, Jr., is an American philanthropist, minister, and civil rights activist who is one of the most famous leaders in the world. Luther led the civil rights movement, which fought for equality for all.

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14. Vladimir Lenin

Vladimir Lenin sitting at a table in a black suit and a white shirt
Portrait of Russian revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin (1870 - 1924) sitting at a table during a meeting of the Sovnarkom. Lenin founded the Bolshevik Party. Photo: Hulton
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov
  • Date of birth: 22 April 1870
  • Age: 53 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Ulyanovsk, Russia

Vladimir Lenin was the founder and leader of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. Vladimir Lenin was a stout believer in Karl Marx's theories and redistributed wealth and land to the peasants.

15. Benito Mussolini

A black and white portrait of Benito Mussolini in a military uniform
Benito Mussolini (1883-1945), an Italian statesman in a military uniform. Photo: Roger Viollet
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini
  • Date of birth: 29 July 1883
  • Age: 61 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Predappio, Italy

Benito Mussolini is one of the most famous Italians. He was the leader of Italy between 1883 and 1945. Mussolini won many battles for Italy and became a dictator who joined the Allies during the World War.

16. Joseph Stalin

A black and white photo of Joseph Stalin making an address
Soviet leader Joseph Stalin reports to the 8th All-Union Congress of Soviets on the draft Constitution of the USSR. Photo: Hulton-Deutsch Collection
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Joseph Vissarionovich Stalin
  • Date of birth: December 1878
  • Age: 74 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Georgia, Gori, Russia

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The Soviet Union leader who took over after Lenin died was a brutal leader who killed millions of people who opposed him. Joseph Stalin's leadership was divisive, and his policies led to the 40 years of the Cold War.

17. Mao Zedong

Mao Tse Toung clapping his hands in a jungle green outfit
Mao Tse Toung (1893-1976), Chinese president, here during the review of the army of The Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution in Pekin, November 3, 1967. Photo: Apic
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Mao Zedong
  • Date of birth: 26 December 1893
  • Age: 82 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Shaoshan, Xiangtan, China

The Chinese politician and Marxist theorist founded the People's Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party. Mao Zedong implemented measures and reforms that led to China's Great Leap Forward.

18. Queen Victoria

A black and white portrait of Queen Victoria
Queen Victoria of Great Britain (1819 - 1901). Original Artist: By T H Maquire. Photo: Hulton Archive (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Alexandrina Victoria
  • Date of birth: 24 May 1819
  • Age: 81 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Kensington Palace, London, United Kingdom

Besides Queen Elizabeth's reign, Queen Victoria's reign was the second longest at 63 years. She was crowned at 18 and survived eight assassination attempts.

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19. George Washington

A portrait painting of George Washington
George Washington, portrait painting by Constable Hamilton, 1794. From the New York Public Library. Photo: Smith Collection (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: George Washington
  • Date of birth: 22 February 1732
  • Age: 67 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Westmoreland County, Virginia, United States

The American Founding Father is one of the most famous people in the world. George Washington oversaw America's victory over British rule and set the two-term presidential limit in America.

20. Joan of Arc

A portrait of Joan of Arc carrying a sword and a flag on the battlefield
Joan of Arc (c. 1412 - 1431), a French saint and national heroine carrying a sword and a flag on the battlefield. Photo: Stock Montage (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images
  • Full name: Jehanne d'Arc
  • Date of birth: 1412
  • Age: 19 years old at the time of death
  • Place of birth: Domrémy-la-Pucelle, France

Joan of Arc is a famous woman in historians' books. She was an inspirational female leader in France who led an army to victory during the Hundred Years' War between England and France.

Who are the famous leaders today?

The world is full of famous people in leadership roles. These men and women have impacted the world in different ways. They include:

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  • Bill Gates
  • Elon Musk
  • Benjamin Netanyahu
  • Barrack Obama

Who are the greatest leaders of all time?

Numerous leaders are described as the greatest in the world. They include:

  • Mohandas K. Gandhi
  • Nelson Mandela
  • George Washington
  • Winston Churchill

Numerous leaders have shaped the world throughout history. These leaders have led and inspired people through various challenges. Whether positive or negative, they all had an impact that changed the world. And above are some of the world's most famous leaders.

Legit.ng published an article about the richest women in the world. Although wealth is mainly associated with men, women also own a significant share. The world's wealthiest women have become rich through inheritance and running businesses.

Women have been enjoying equal opportunities in the business world, although they are still a minority compared to men. However, there is significant growth in healthy women around the world. Discover who the richest women are and their sources of wealth.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
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Naomi Karina (Lifestyle writer) Naomi Karina has been a digital content writer for more than two years. She joined the Legit team in August 2022. She graduated Bachelor of Commerce from KCA University in 2012. She also holds a Higher Diploma in Human Resources from the IHRM and a Diploma in Marketing from Kenyatta University. She is a content creator who enjoys writing about various topics such as biographies, entertainment and business. In 2023, Naomi finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. She expanded her skills in 2024 by undertaking the Google News Initiative course.

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