Leading Figures in History

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

62243 persons found

Charles the Bold

b. 1433

Duke of Burgundy from 1467 to 1477

Charles the Fat

b. 839

Carolingian emperor from 881 to 887

Charles the Simple

b. 879

King of West Francia from 898 to 922

Charles Theodore Pachelbel

American classical composer

Charles Thomas Jackson

b. 1805

American physician and scientist (1805–1880)

Charles Tomlinson Griffes

b. 1884

American composer (1884–1920)

Charles Tournemire

French composer and organist (1870–1939)

Charles Townshend

b. 1725

British politician (1725–1767)

Charles Townshend, 2nd Viscount Townshend

British Whig statesman (1674–1738)

Charles Tristan, marquis de Montholon

b. 1783

French general during the Napoleonic Wars

Charles Tupper

b. 1821

Father of Confederation, Prime Minister of Canada in 1896

Charles V of France

King of France from 1364 to 1380

Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor

Holy Roman Emperor from 1519 to 1556

Charles Van Acker

Belgian–American racing driver (1912–1998)

Charles Vane, 3rd Marquess of Londonderry

b. 1778

Anglo-Irish soldier (1778–1854)

Charles Vanel

b. 1892

French actor and director (1892–1989)

Charles Vanik

American politician (1913–2007)

Charles VI of France

King of France from 1380 to 1422

Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor

b. 1685

Holy Roman Emperor from 1711 to 1740

Charles VII of France

King of France from 1422 to 1461

Charles VII, Holy Roman Emperor

b. 1697

Holy Roman Emperor from 1742 to 1745

Charles VIII of France

b. 1470

King of France from 1483 to 1498

Charles Villiers Stanford

b. 1852

Irish composer, music teacher, and conductor (1852–1924)

Charles Vintcent

b. 1866

South African cricket player (1866–1943)