1 month ago
30
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - It takes ample effort to become a good leader in any circumstance. Oftentimes, these visionaries demonstrate requisite qualities that include integrity, compassion, courage, resilience, and many other substantial emotional intelligence.
These greatest leaders of all time have made dramatic contributions to society that not only leave lasting impressions but also valuable legacies.
10 Greatest Leaders of All Time
Famous leaders such as Julius Caesar, Cleopatra VII, and Queen Elizabeth I are named the greatest leaders of all time by Champlain College and Best Diplomats. Read on below for other remarkable names.
1. Hatshepsut, Egypt
In ancient times when female domination was not as conventional, Hatshepsut was universally known to be one of the greatest leaders in history. Britannica noted that the female emperor had strenuous capabilities to attain unprecedented power for a woman, acquiring the full title of a pharaoh, at the royal palace in ancient Egypt.
Leading a peaceful reign based on trade, Hatshepsut was believed to have commissioned extensive building programs, including the Karnak Temple and Amon-Re Temple.
2. Cyrus the Great, Persia
Cyrus the Great, who earned the title of father of the people among the ancient Persians, was the founder of the Achaemenian Empire. His tolerant nature was evident in his respect for the dominant religions of the lands he conquered, centered in Persia and encompassing the Middle East.
3. Julius Caesar, Rome
As a hailed Roman dictator, Julius Caesar’slegacy extends far beyond the mere renaming of the Roman month Quintilis to July in his honor. Caesar was a political genius who seized existing opportunities to address Rome’s power structure, transforming the empire into a giant prosperous dominion.
4. Cleopatra VII, Egypt
Inheriting the status from her father, Ptolemy XII, Cleopatra VII was known as an effective ruler who led Egypt out of its hardest periods. Despite being widely associated with Julius Caesar in light of their romantic encounters, her diplomatic approach was greatly admired by the Egyptian people.
5. Alexander The Great, Macedonia
Aristotle's beloved pupil, Alexander the Great, was a true hero to his people after successfully eliminating the Persian Empire and conveying Macedonian arms to India. His interest in philosophy, scientific exploration, and medicine shaped him into one of the greatest leaders of all time, as evidenced by the number of effective expeditions he led.
6. Wu Zetian, China
Empress Wu Zetian, the sole female ruler in China’s history, is often regarded as the wealthiest woman ever and was instrumental in the economic prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. Under her reign, the dynasty contributed approximately 22.7% of the global GDP, equivalent to around US$16 trillion today. Beyond her immense wealth, Wu Zetian, also known as Wuhou, gained recognition for her ambitious efforts to expand the empire’s borders into Central Asia.
7. Queen Elizabeth I, United Kingdom
Fluent in five languages, Queen Elizabeth I was a well-educated ruler who brought one of the most glorious periods in English history. Through her outstanding political judgment, the empire began to see brave explorers, including Walter Raleigh, Francis Drake, and Humphrey Gilbert.
8. Abraham Lincoln, United States
A survey of 100 historians held by C-SPAN in 2021 crowned Abraham Lincoln as the best U.S. president in history, with around 897 final scores. He was greatly praised as a commendable leader in multiple aspects, such as vision on agenda, crisis leadership, performance in the context of time, and moral authority.
Renowned to be the active founder of the Republican Party, Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, declaring those slaves within the Confederacy free.
9. Mahatma Gandhi, India
Starting off his career as a lawyer, Mahatma Gandhi soon garnered public attention for his tireless toil as the leader of the Indian Independence Movement against British rule. Considered the father of his country, Gandhi introduced the notion of non-violent protest, commonly known as satyagraha, to attain social advancements.
10. Winston Churchill, United Kingdom
A heroic figure of World War II, Winston Churchill managed to lead the British people and his country to victory through his impressive war judgment and perseverance. According to the International Churchill Society, Churchill is a famous British Prime Minister known for his passionate leadership style.
These 10 greatest leaders of all time have demonstrated an extraordinary blend of vision, resilience, and emotional intelligence. Whether through strategic conquest, transformative policies, or efforts to foster peace and unity, their legacies continue to influence generations.
Editor's Choice: 10 Youngest World Leaders, Young and Charismatic
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
