Leaders and rulers
History is filled with stories of great
empires and the peo
ple who led and
ruled them. Their impact can still be felt in the world
today.
Discover the lives and legacies of some
of history's most renowned leaders and rulers
through objects from the British Museum collection. Read on to
discover the lives of:
- Shah 'Abbas
He ruled Iran from 1587 to 1629, built a new capital and
established the country’s largest empire for 1000 years
- Hadrian
For 21 years he ruled an empire that stretched from Scotland to the
Sahara, the Atlantic Ocean to the River Euphrates
- Qin Shihuangdi (the First
Emperor)
He turned a small state into a mighty empire and created the modern
country of China
The rise to power
They went on to achieve great things, but how did the leaders and
rulers of the past come to power
Ruling an empire
Whether fighting to build empires, or making peace to ensure
their survival, the actions of great leaders have
lasting effects
The image of a leader
From soldier to philosopher, leaders and rulers present themselves
to their people and to history in many different ways
Life and legacy
What were these figures like and what did they leave
behind?
More information about the object featured
here:
Banner image: Detail of Shah 'Abbas
as depicted on the wall of Chihil Sutun Palace, Isfahan, c. AD
1647. Photo: Ebrahim Khadem Bayat.