Leaders and rulers

History is filled with stories of great empires and the people 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. In the first part of a growing theme, read on to discover the lives of:

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:

Marble bust of the emperor Hadrian in military dress