Influential does not mean great (in a positive light).
The 10 commanders I mentioned swayed the destiny of millions and
determined the rise and fall of civilizations.
Others could include:
Oliver Cromwell, Simon Bolivar, Hernando Cortez, Francisco Pizarro,
Umar ibn Al-Khattab, Asoka, Joseph Stalin, Julius Caesar, William the
Conqueror, Sui Wen-ti, Cyrus the Great, Peter the Great, Mao
Zedong, Elizabeth I of England, Tamerlane and Charlemagne.
Some of these monarchs and caliphs do not merit direct credit for
battle victories, but their sanctioning (or denying) of requests and
providing for resources definitely put them in the
influential
category for the military success of their respective states.
Of course, it is much easier to evaluate the significance of ancient
leaders, as we have more consequences (or aftermath) of that
person's actions to gauge the importance of what that person
accomplished. But let's give it a try!
I personally feel Mohammed has impacted more people down the
ages on a potent and resiliet level, on both religious and secular
issues, than any other. That may be a stretch, as so many others are
so significant. Let me know what you think, fellow posters.
Enjoy, Spartan (JKM)
Edited by Spartan