Leading Figures in History

Discover the people who shaped our world — from rulers and scientists to artists and activists.

24408 persons found

Zeynab Begum

Fourth daughter of Safavid king Tahmasp I (r. 1524-1576), major Safavid stateswoman

Zhang Chunqiao

Member of the Gang of Four (1917–2005)

Zhang Hao (figure skater)

b. 1984

Chinese pair skater (born 1984)

Zhang Hao (general)

Zhang Li (Liao dynasty)

Zhang Lingfu

Chinese general of the National Revolutionary Army (1903–1947)

Zhang Wenwei

Zhang Xueliang

b. 1901

Chinese general and warlord (1901–2001)

Zhang Yaokun

b. 1981

Chinese footballer (born 1981)

Zhang Zuolin

Chinese warlord and politician (1875–1928)

Zhanna Pintusevich-Block

b. 1972

Ukrainian sprinter (born 1972)

Zhao Ying

Chinese chancellor (885-951)

Zheng Cao

b. 1966

Chinese-American operatic singer (1966–2013)

Zheng Jie

b. 1983

Chinese female tennis player (born 1983)

Zhengde Emperor

Emperor of China from 1505 to 1521

Zhengzhang Shangfang

Chinese linguist (1933–2018)

Zhong Huandi

b. 1967

Chinese long-distance runner

Zhou Guanyu

b. 1999

Chinese racing driver (born 1999)

Zhou Zuoren

Chinese writer

Zhu De

Chinese general and politician (1886–1976)

Zhu Hongzhao

Zhu Jianhua

b. 1963

Chinese high jumper (born 1963)

Zhu Quan

b. 1378

Chinese prince (1378–1448)

Zhu Xi

Chinese philosopher (1130–1200)