Historical Figures You Need To Learn About

While we're all familiar with big names in history like Napoleon, Aristotle, and Thomas Jefferson, some names simply end up flying under the radar. Though they've done some memorable things too, whether it be good or bad, they simply got overshadowed. So today, let's explore both sides. Here are 10 easily recognizable figures you should know, and 10 lesser-known ones we want to shine a light on.

Elliott & Fry & Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) on Wikimedia Commons

1. Christopher Columbus

While there's hot debate on whether Christopher Columbus was truly the first to discover the "new world," it is what he's most often credited with and known for. Studied in American history books and taught in every Social Studies class, his name is noted down in history as tied to exploration. 

L. Prang & Co., Boston on Wikimedia Commons

2. Albert Einstein

The genius everyone always refers to, Albert Einstein is still usually regarded as the smartest man in history. His impressive work in relativity and theoretical physics continues to influence and shape the brilliant minds of today. There's no doubt this man has placed an unforgettable footprint in every history book.

Smithsonian Institution, Photographer: unknown on Wikimedia Commons

3. Rosa Parks

With a title like "The Mother of the Civil Rights Movement," there's no way people haven't head of Rosa Parks. Best known for her brave act in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, her decision not to give away her seat to a white man changed the lives of many. She helped pave the way to the better equality we know today.

Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons

4. Isaac Newton

While Isaac Newton made a number of amazing discoveries throughout his life, he's most known for creating the laws of motion. And while there's no proof this actually happened, the hilarious story of him discovering gravity because an apple dropped on his head is a tale worth passing on for generations.

 Godfrey Kneller  (1646–1723) on Wikimedia Commons

5. Thomas Edison

One of the greatest inventors of all time, Thomas Edison is credited with creating not only the light bulb, but phonographs and the motion picture camera as well. It's amazing seeing how these inventions are still used today, regardless of how much they've been improved. It all started with his brilliant mind.

Louis Bachrach, Bachrach Studios, restored by Michel Vuijlsteke on Wikimedia Commons

6. Charles Dickens

As the author of some of the biggest classics in all of literature, Charles Dickens will forever live on in the pages of his books. From A Christmas Carol to Oliver Twist and A Tale of Two Cities, his ability to create compelling and deep stories is remarkable. All these novels are still being studied today and are greatly respected for their timeless quality. 

Jeremiah Gurney  (1812–1895) on Wikimedia Commons

7. Queen Victoria

As the great, great grandmother of Queen Elizabeth, many in Europe are familiar with Queen Victoria's role in history. Known for improving economic growth during her reign, she was also tied to all the great industrial progress. All in all, she was an incredibly influential and respected leader.

 John Jabez Edwin Mayal  (1813–1901) on Wikimedia Commons

8. Vincent Van Gogh

As the painter of the iconic Starry Night, Vincent Van Gogh's works continue to be admired in numerous art galleries around the world. It's incredibly sad learning that his paintings weren't received well during his lifetime (he only sold 1!), but we hope he's resting well knowing they're all beloved to this day.

 Vincent van Gogh  (1853–1890) on Wikimedia Commons

9. Jane Austen

Best known as the author for iconic classics like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen is one of the greatest female writers to ever live. Creating relatable, women-driven stories during a time when it wasn't appreciated, modern readers truly appreciate her forward thinking. 

Cassandra Austen. Engraving by Lizars on Wikimedia Commons

10. Charlemagne

Also known as Charles the Great, Charlemagne was the king of the Franks. His name feels like something of legend! Helping to improve many aspects of his nation like law, education, and economy, he was an overall respected leader. 

 Albrecht Dürer  (1471–1528) on Wikimedia Commons

1. Imhotep

While very little is known about Imhotep, he was an Egyptian architect that is credited with creating the very first stone building (the Step Pyramid). Even if historians don't know much about this man, it's clear that his influence and impact continued long after he passed. 

anonymous on Wikimedia Commons

2. Florence Nightingale

Considered the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale is a name everyone should know, but most don't. Her focus on proper patient care and improving hospital management forever shaped the way we view nursing. After all, there's a reason she's called the "Mother of Nursing" in history books. 

Henry Hering (1814-1893) on Wikimedia Commons

3. Alan Turing

Thanks to Benedict Cumberbatch's portrayal of Alan Turing in The Imitation Game, we're hoping this genius man gets more attention. Not only did he help develop some of the first modern computers, but his greatest accomplishment was deciphering German messages sent from the Enigma Machine. His role here was incredibly pivotal during World War II. 

Unknown photographer on Wikimedia Commons

4. Cao Cao

While you might be familiar with military leaders like Alexander the Great and Napoleon Bonaparte, have you ever heard of Cao Cao? Best known for being one of China's greatest, most skilled generals in history, he's not talked about enough. 

Wang Qi (1529 - 1612) on Wikimedia Commons

5. Herostratus

Sometimes, you aren't noted down in history for doing good things. Take Herostratus for example. Wanting to be remembered forever, he did the unthinkable - he burned down the Temple of Artemis which was considered a great wonder of the ancient world. Talk about being remembered for all the wrong reasons. 

Rijksmuseum on Wikimedia Commons

6. Nils Bohlin

It's easy taking for granted all the things that keep us safe. Think about the seatbelt for a moment - no one ever thanks Nils Bohlin who invented this amazing creation. Developing the three-point design we're all familiar with today, he's kept millions of people alive with innovative safety idea. 

Photo by Maxim Hopman on Unsplash

7. Maurice Hilleman

Credited with developing over 40 vaccines in the world including ones for pneumonia, measles, and mumps, Maurice Hilleman doesn't get enough appreciation. Most people don't even know who this man is! Despite saving approximately 8 million people annually with his vaccines, he never won the Nobel Prize for his work, let alone enough recognition from the world. 

Walter Reed Army Medical Center on Wikimedia Commons

8. Louis Bonaparte

Did you know Napoleon had a brother? We sure didn't. But that's not the only reason why we put him on this list. Eventually made the King of Holland, appointed by his very brother, he was said to be a great leader that was very popular with its citizens. Some say he was even nicknamed "Louis the Good" for his amazing, compassionate leadership.

 Carl Christian Vogel von Vogelstein  (1788–1868) on Wikimedia Commons

9. Herodotus

While most people remember names from Ancient Greece like Aristotle, no one knows much about Herodotus. But with a cool title like the "Father of History," it's clear he was important! Known as the first person to collect and document information, he was likely the world's first ever historian.

Marie-Lan Nguyen (2009) on Wikimedia Commons

10. Rosalind Franklin

Best known for being one of the key chemists who made massive waves in DNA research, Rosalind Franklin deserves to be recognized. Though she was sadly diagnosed with ovarian cancer and ultimately passed because of it, her amazing contributions are how we got to where we are today. 

MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology on Wikimedia