Great people shape history, impact on the world`s development and have control over societies and even civilizations. Naturally, not all of them are admired by common people, some repulsed their contemporaries and may still repulse their descendants. However, the influence that historical figures had on the world is hard to underestimate; they were not forgotten even after flow of centuries.
In comparison to other historical figures, Hammurabi may seem quite insignificant. We do not have enough information about his personality and government; however, evidence of his reforms that was preserved till nowadays is a convincing reason why he impressed me. His Law Code reorganized already established legal system and brought reforms to this sphere of social life. Although some may argue that his laws were too severe, I think that only during his reign Babylonian civilization reached its heyday. Moreover, he was a great reformer who was not afraid of innovations even though society might disapprove of them.
I was positively impressed by self-sacrifice of Hannibal in the name of his state. He was not afraid to oppose against interests of powerful Roman Empire. Although he was not able to lead his country to the desirable victory, he was the greatest Carthaginian commander who did not give up till the very end. He was betrayed by alliances but he believed in his army, people and country. To say honestly, he became an example of a real and true leader for me.
Alexander the Great was a conquerer who wanted to have the whole world at his feet. Naturally, his ambitions were not always supported by other political leaders, but his commandership inspired many other leaders. What really astonishes me, is the fact that a person can change the whole ancient world drastically during such a short period of time. Without a doubt, Alexander was a strong personality who continued to reach his goal, even during times when he had no obvious support. His strength as a leader impressed me the most.
Julius Caesar is to some extent a controversial figure because he was a dictator who centralized the government of Rome and made it even more prosperous state. I do not even dare to underestimate his political and leadership skills, but his figure really repulses me. His conquering politics made a lot of nations suffer under the power of Rome which neglected interests of colonized nations. His desire of becoming a master of the world is really repulsing.
Another Roman leader Caligula repulsed me the most. His erratic despotism is beyond imaginable; according to various sources his probable madness caused attacks of anger. He was misunderstood by most of his contemporaries, and received almost no support. Common people were really afraid of his government. I find it very daunting that such a neurotic person controlled one of the most powerful states of the ancient world.
The last person that I want to mention is Herod, the Roman client king of Judea. His reign was marked by bloodshed and cruelty. Herod was a typical …