Founders: Who was Chandragupta Maurya?

As Alexander the Great’s Generals carved out their own kingdoms from the vast Macedonian Empire, it sent ripple effects that led to a creation of another empire in India. The mysterious Chandragupta Maurya (r. 321 - 297 BCE) emerged from obscurity, established his own dynasty that ruled over much of modern India for more than a century.

Chandragupta Maurya entertains his bride from Babylon

Founders: Who was Babur of the Mughal Dynasty?

He founded the Mughal Empire and reigned as its emperor from 1526 to 1530. The root from which the richest empire in the world emerged and blossomed. From his dynasty erected the most beautiful monuments that the world has ever seen.

Who was Jawaharlal Nehru? - Part 2

"We have to build the noble mansion of free India where all her children may dwell."

- Jawaharlal Nehru

Who was Jawaharlal Nehru? - Part 1

He stood as one of the respected leaders of India. Jawaharlal Nehru fought for independence from the British alongside the Mahatma for decades before turning against his country’s problems, asserting India’s right to choose its own path towards progress.

Who was Harun al-Rashid?

Ruled as the 5th Abbasid Caliph (r. 785 – 809), Harun al-Rashid ibn Muhammad al-Mahdi (763/766 – 809) presided over an explosive era of great achievements for the Islamic civilization, but his reign also began the decline of the Abbasid Caliphate.

Founders: Who was Muawiya I?

In the 7th century, a new religion emerged in the inhospitable deserts of Arabia – Islam. Alongside with Islam, a new empire also emerged. Born from internal struggle, the Umayyad Caliphate became stronger and more organized than before. Credit to this reemergence mostly went to its founder – Muawiyah bin Abi Sufyan.

Who was Lord Dalhousie?

One of the great expansionist of the British influence and control of India, James Andrew Broun Ramsay, Earl of Dalhouse, served as Governor-General of India from 1847 to 1856 whose reforms dragged the whole British India to chaos.

Who was Gustav I Vasa? (Part 2)

Gustav Vasa fought Denmark to gain Sweden's independence from the Kalmar Union. Explore the early beginnings of the founder of the Vasa Dynasty.

Who was Gustav I Vasa? (Part 1)

Gustav Vasa fought Denmark to gain Sweden's independence from the Kalmar Union. Explore the early beginnings of the founder of the Vasa Dynasty.

Who was Attila the Hun? (Part 2)

With his brother dead, Attila began to rule alone and had a grandiose plan that shook Rome further. Explore continuation of the life of Rome’s scourge and ultimate barbarian – Attila the Hun.

Who was Attila the Hun? (Part 1)

The Huns ravaged Rome for decades. But he led the ultimate rampaged that earned the Huns there place in history. Explore the life of Rome’s scourge and ultimate barbarian – Attila the Hun.

Great Leaders: Who was Peter the Great? (Part 7): Opposition and Last Years

With his huge wave of reforms and his new gained prestige, Peter the Great also had detractors who opposed his ways and views. Explore how the Russians opposed their Tsars and how did Peter the Great lived his last years of rule.

Great Leaders: Who was Peter the Great? (Part 6): Reforms

Peter shaped his reforms to match his ambitions, but he also made contribution that were less violent. Explore how Peter contributed to Russia’s education, culture, religion and society.

Great Leaders: Who was Peter the Great? (Part 5): Reforms

Following his reforms in the military, Peter needed to change also the state which his new army must defend. Explore how Peter the Great reform Russia beyond its military.

Great Leaders: Who was Peter the Great? (Part 4): Reforms

As the Great Northern War dragged, Peter also fought hard back home, enacting reforms after reforms. Explore how Peter the Great transformed his Tsardom.

Great Leaders: Who was Peter the Great? (Part 3): The Great Northern War

With the Battle of Poltava, Russia stroke a crippling blow to Sweden and its King. But the war was not over, it dragged on for another decade, and even threatened to erase what Peter had built. Explore how Peter led his country for the following decade of the Great Northern War.

Great Leaders: Who was Peter the Great? (Part 2): The Great Northern War

For his dream navy, Peter the Great declared war on Sweden that dragged the whole region into ablaze for the two decades. Explore how Peter the Great led Russia through the Great Northern War.

Great Leaders: Who was Peter the Great? (Part 1)

Explore the life and reign of a towering figure in history – Peter the Great.