* Johannes Gutenberg (c. 1400-1468): German goldsmith, inventor, and printer. He is best known for his invention of the printing press, which revolutionized the way books were produced and disseminated.
* Christopher Columbus (1451-1506): Italian explorer and navigator. He is credited with discovering America in 1492, although he believed he had reached Asia.
* Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519): Italian polymath who is considered one of the greatest geniuses of all time. He was a painter, sculptor, architect, engineer, scientist, and mathematician.
* Martin Luther (1483-1546): German theologian and religious reformer. He is the founder of Lutheranism, one of the major branches of Protestantism.
* Elizabeth I (1533-1603): Queen of England and Ireland from 1558 until her death. She was a strong and effective ruler who helped to make England a powerful nation.
* William Shakespeare (1564-1616): English playwright, poet, and actor. He is considered one of the greatest writers in the English language.
* Isaac Newton (1643-1727): English mathematician, physicist, astronomer, and philosopher. He is best known for his contributions to classical mechanics, optics, and calculus.
* Voltaire (1694-1778): French philosopher, writer, and historian. He was a leading figure of the Enlightenment, and his writings helped to spread ideas of religious tolerance, freedom of speech, and separation of church and state.
* Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821): French military leader and emperor. He conquered much of Europe and was a major force in the French Revolution.