Leading Figures in History

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

18354 persons found

Zeki Alasya

Turkish actor and film director

Zelda Rubinstein

b. 1933

American actress and human rights activist

Zellig Harris

American linguist (1909–1992)

Zelmar Michelini

b. 1924

Uruguayan reporter and politician

Zena Sutherland

American journalist

Zenaida Manfugás

Musical artist

Zenas Ferry Moody

b. 1832

7th Governor of Oregon

Zenna Henderson

American science fiction and fantasy writer (1917–1983)

Zeno Colò

Italian alpine skier (1920–1993)

Zenon Jaskuła

b. 1962

Polish cyclist

Zerna Sharp

American writer

Zev Siegl

b. 1955

American keynote speaker and presenter (born 1942)

Zeynab Begum

Fourth daughter of Safavid king Tahmasp I (r. 1524-1576), major Safavid stateswoman

Zhang Chunqiao

Member of the Gang of Four (1917–2005)

Zhang Hao (general)

Zhang Lingfu

Chinese general of the National Revolutionary Army (1903–1947)

Zhang Wenwei

Zhang Xueliang

b. 1901

Chinese general and warlord (1901–2001)

Zhang Yaokun

b. 1981

Chinese footballer (born 1981)

Zhang Zuolin

Chinese warlord and politician (1875–1928)

Zhao Ying

Chinese chancellor (885-951)

Zhengde Emperor

Emperor of China from 1505 to 1521

Zhengzhang Shangfang

Chinese linguist (1933–2018)

Zhou Guanyu

b. 1999

Chinese racing driver (born 1999)