Even though it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, learning about the great works that famous historic figures did is never boring. From winning battles to building nations to becoming fallen heroes, they have quite literally made history.
Luckily for you, we have summarized everything you need to know about some of the most influential icons in history, including Cleopatra, Alexander the Great, and Anne Boleyn. You even get a bonus of getting to see modernized portraits of each of them. It’s bizarre how real they look. Continue to read and see for yourself.
King Tut
More frequently addressed as King Tut, Tutankhamun was an Egyptian pharaoh between 1334 BC and 1325 BC (his death). For any of you who don’t know, Pharaoh is the title used to acknowledge ancient Egyptian monarchs. We wouldn’t even know him if it wasn’t for the late British archaeologist Howard Carter, who discovered the tomb in 1922.
King Tut was reportedly the last member of his royal bloodline to have reigned at the end of the 18th dynasty. Sadly, he passed on at the young age of 19. His short life was also troubled with physical disabilities and deformities although, the cause of his death was most likely malaria.
Nefertiti
After archaeologists and researchers tracked the lineage and made connections of the tombs from the 18th Dynasty, they figured that Nefertiti was King Tut’s stepmother/mother-in-law (incestual marriages were common at the time). Her daughter, Ankhesenamun, was married to King Tut until his passing.
Nefertiti was the Queen consort of Egypt in the mid-1300s BC, having been married to Pharaoh Akhenaten. They were both worshippers of Aten (the sun disc) and contributed to revolutionizing the religion. The idea of Nefertiti’s physical appearance was deduced from her bust (famously known as the Nefertiti Bust), of which the original is now on display at the Neues Museum in Berlin.
Cleopatra
Cleopatra is one of the most popular female historical figures globally, so much so that there have been books written and even a movie made about her. Coming from the Ptolemaic dynasty, she was the last active pharaoh of the Ptolemaic kingdom.
The Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom became so well-known because of the impact she had on Roman politics during her reign and influencing how Western empires are governed. Dubbed as an ancient day femme fatale, Cleopatra was also known for the relationships she had with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. After ruling for 21 years, Cleopatra died on August 10, 30 BC, aged 39.
Julius Caesar
One of Cleopatra’s beaus back in the day, Julius Caesar, was a Roman general, politician, and scholar who played a significant role, initiating the rise of the Roman Empire. He is said to have had a son named Caesarion with Cleopatra and two other children (including one adopted son) with other women.
He was further recognized after leading the Roman Republic to multiple victories in the Gallic Wars. At age 55, Caesar was assassinated at a senate meeting on March 15, 44 BC, after which he died of multiple stab wounds. If you’re ever in Turin, Italy, don’t forget to check out the Tusculum portrait at the Archaeological Museum.
Queen Elizabeth I
We all know the current British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, who has been wearing the crown since 1953. Although she was named after her mother, the existence of Queen Elizabeth I (pictured above) goes back centuries to the 1500s. She was the Queen of England and Ireland between 1558 and 1603.
Often referred to as “the Virgin Queen” (due to never marrying or having children), Elizabeth I was on the throne when England won against the Spanish Armada in 1588, relating her name to one of the biggest victories in English history. She also placed Protantism in the country and maintained a peaceful and flourishing nation until her passing in 1603.
Mary Queen of Scots
As the title suggests, Mary, Queen of Scots was the ruler of Scotland between 1542 and 1567. It was a title she received by birth as her predecessor and father, James V, died only six days after her birth, reportedly due to a fever or nervous breakdown after his army lost the Battle of Solway Moss.
Mary also served as the Queen consort of France for a short period after her first marriage to Francis II, King of France. According to The School Run, she used her power to ensure Queen Elizabeth I’s downfall but was forcefully abdicated in 1967 after being accused of adultery and murder. She died 20 years later.