Great kings of the world. List of the most famous and important kings in history hand-picked by our team of expert editors and ranked by their popularity on On This Day. ) -- Solomon (reigned c. Oct 4, 2022 · Sundiata Keita, King of Mali Popularly known as the Lion of Mali, Sundiata Keita is the great uncle of arguably the richest man that has ever lived, King Mansa Musa, and also the founder of the Mali Empire. Four Heavenly Kings Tamon-ten (Vaiśravaṇa) at Tōdai-ji, Japan The Four Guardian Kings in Burmese depiction. ' - What is the meaning of Revelation 17:18? Dec 20, 2024 · 10 African Kings in History Africa's kings created and ruled over some of the world’s greatest ever kingdoms from Benin to Mali. - Jerusalem was a fitting place for Jesus, the greatest king of all, to live out the final moments of his life. There have been dictators, and there have been benevolent kings. Here is a list of the 10 greatest kings in history. Discover the top 10 most powerful kings in history who shaped civilizations, led vast empires, and left lasting legacies. 1750 B. While Greek sources remain central to any narrative about Cyrus, a wealth of primary evidence is found in the ancient Near East, including documentary, archaeological, art historical, and biblical material. C. King Solomon, a figure of wisdom and wealth, ruled over Israel in the 10th century BC. Read on for all the current sovereign heads of state, from the King of Bahrain to the Pope. ) -- Darius I Jan 16, 2024 · For history and government lovers, the discussion surrounding famous kings is fodder for an exciting conversation. But who was the biggest ruler of all time? King of the Universe[a] is a royal title that claims complete cosmological domination. From military conquerors to cultural patrons, monarchs have shaped societies in many ways. Earthly Kings: · The title "The Great King" is used in the context of powerful rulers in the ancient Oct 6, 2017 · In fact, there are 29 modern monarchies, reigning over 40 countries. ) -- Ashurbanipal (reigned 668-626 B. This list is about the greatest, most benevolent monarchs in history - those rulers who made life better for their people. A few kings Aug 5, 2024 · There have been numerous kings in history who wielded a lot of influence and made a mark with their reign. When Cyrus took the royal title “King of the World” in 539 bce, it was closer to a literal reality than for any Their kings, the four great kings, reside in the four directions of the fourth terrace. . The Four Heavenly Kings are four Buddhist gods or devas, each of whom is believed to watch over one cardinal direction of the world. This is a list of people known as the Great, or the equivalent, in their own language. ) -- Hammurabi (reigned c. Many of their great leaders, David, Solomon, Hezekiah, reigned in Jerusalem during the days of Israel's glory. Some of the most well-known and powerful kings in the world include Alexander the Great of Ancient Greece, Charlemagne of the Holy Roman Empire, and King Henry VIII of England. WatchMojo. Some managed to conquer the world, some managed to end violence and put their countries into periods of peace and stability, and some changed not only their nations, but the world. 1012-c. [37] There are several inscriptions of Cyrus the Great and later kings that refer to Cambyses I as the "great king" and "king of Anshan". 529 B. Biblical References: 1. ) -- Akhnaton (reigned c. 1360 B. Some conquered the world, others ended warfare and brought their countries tranquilly and stability, and others transformed their country and the world. com, and today we're counting down our picks for the top 10 most famous kings in history. The Hall of Four Heavenly Kings is a standard component of Chinese Buddhist temples. Mansa Sundiata was regarded as a great leader and warlord who expanded his territory into the creation of the Mali Empire. Jul 24, 2024 · Each king featured has significantly shaped the course of history. These rulers changed the world through conquest and sheer determination. 932 B. While some leaders rule, others take things a step further and redefine history. Other languages have their own suffixes, such as Persian e Bozorg and Hindustani e Azam. Aug 23, 2020 · Cheops (reigned c. From Alexander the Great to Akbar the Great, explore their conquests, leadership, and influence on the world Jun 13, 2024 · This post delves into the lives and reigns of nine such powerful kings, exploring what made them formidable rulers and the shared characteristics that defined their leadership. This list presents a personal selection of great kings and queens, the word 'great' implying no moral judgment but used as a simple descriptive label for those whose significance for good or bad has been considerable. Alexander the Great relentlessly expanded his empire, while Genghis Khan built a vast empire from scratch. Jerusalem held deep cultural and religious significance for the Jewish people. Jul 16, 2015 · Cyrus created the world’s first truly large empire that ruled over diverse peoples, but he did it without exploitation and with great clemency, allowing local self-rule under a well thought-out policy of toleration. 1. As a historical title, King of the Universe was used intermittently by powerful monarchs in ancient Mesopotamia as a title of great prestige. ) -- Moses (13th century B. Equivalent titles were sometimes later used in the Greco-Roman world as honorifics for powerful rulers. Aug 16, 2022 · In this interview, World History Encyclopedia sits down with author Matt Waters to chat about his new book King of the World: The Life of Cyrus the Great published by Oxford University Press. Jun 1, 2023 · Most famous kings in history Many outstanding kings have existed throughout history. Sep 12, 2022 · A Mayan king whose 68-year rule is the fifth-longest reign in history, Pacal turned a minor city-state into a powerhouse and built some of the great Mayan temples. But what makes a leader truly great? Is it the size of their empire or the legends they left behind? Let's dive into the stories of history's most extraordinary rulers. Here are some of the world's most prominent kings! Jul 26, 2024 · Kings have ruled nations and empires throughout history, leaving lasting impacts on their people and the world. Note: many countries have had multiple dynasties over the course of recorded history. Jerusalem was also home to the Apr 22, 2009 · There have truly been many great rulers in history. Hitler Aug 11, 2010 · Throughout history, there have been good leaders and bad leaders. Catur Maharaja: Four Heavenly Great Kings Known as the “Caturmahārāja” in Sanskrit — “Maha” meaning great and “Raja” meaning king — they have an important role within the Buddhist doctrine. 972 B. ) -- Cyrus the Great (d. May 19, 2022 · Abstract Cyrus the Great was a transformational figure: an exceptional leader, general, and visionary. Summary – Top 10 Powerful Kings in the World Among the greatest kings in world history, some figures truly stand out. The gods in the kings' entourage generally reside [in the same place as the kings], but may also dwell in various other places, wherever suitable, be it in space or on one of the seven mountain ranges, such as Yoke. Kings such as Sundiata Keita and Euware the Great developed global partnerships and traded gold and salt, which became a source of immense wealth. Cyrus II "the Great" was a son of Cambyses I, who had named his son after his father, Cyrus I. 970-c. Each one of these magnificent entities presides over one cardinal direction of our world. ) -- David (c. For this list, we looked at the male monarchs who epitomize their era or changed the course of world history. But who was the best king of all time? The answer depends on how we define greatness in a monarch. 2900-2875 B. 1380-c. Feb 24, 2025 · Alexander The Great (356-323 BCE) Alexander was the king of the Macedonian Empire and was the great military commander who conquered the world spreading Greek Culture across the globe. 1790-c. It was a place of kings and power, a symbol of the Jewish nation. Some value military might, while others prize cultural contributions or just rule. This is a list of kingdoms and royal dynasties, organized by geographic region. Four Guardian Kings in Burmese Art. He was also the founder of the Achaemenid Persian Empire, which dominated the world stage from the Mediterranean to the Indus during the sixth through fourth centuries bce. These kings were known for their military conquests, political prowess, and The woman whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the kings of the earth. Here are history’s greatest rulers: 10. Kelly Jun 17, 2022 · King of the World provides an authoritative and accessible account of Cyrus the Great's life, career, and legacy. Welcome to http://www. The term "The Great King" is a title that appears in the Bible, often used to describe earthly monarchs with significant power and influence. However, it also carries a deeper theological significance when considered in the context of God's sovereignty and kingship. ) -- Thothmes III (reigned 1501-1447 B. This is not a comprehensively exhaustive list and may require further additions or historical verification. There have been many kings throughout history who have held significant power and influence over their respective kingdoms and empires. wrl kxozty2 wuv zkh9w hjhej vkaw9fpl sl2j siri7 zcb yh