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 Figures in Europe
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Ferdinand Magellan
1480–1521Portugal
Portuguese-born navigator who led the first expedition to cross the Pacific Ocean, enabling the first circumnavigation of Earth and reshaping global geographic understanding.
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Francisco Pizarro
1478–1541Spain
He arrived in Peru with 168 men, took the Inca emperor hostage at a diplomatic meeting, and used that leverage to destroy the most powerful empire in the Americas.
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