People
Historical Figures and Influential People in History
Explore rulers, generals, thinkers, scientists and reformers who shaped world history. Search for a specific person, or browse by era, region, country and A–Z.
Medieval Period Historical Figures
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3 results
Charlemagne
742–814EuropeFrance
He could barely read but built an empire that stretched across western Europe — and the coronation that defined his legacy was apparently a surprise even to him.
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Christopher Columbus
1451–1506EuropeItaly
He sailed west to reach the east, miscalculated the size of the earth, and stumbled onto a continent — then spent the rest of his life denying it was there.
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Cnut the Great
995–1035OtherDenmark
He conquered England as an outsider, became its most effective king, and according to legend placed his throne at the water's edge to show his lords that even kings can't stop the tide.
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