Cecil Rhodes
1853–1902 · British (Hertfordshire/South Africa) · Victorian Era/Imperialism
Known for: Diamond king who conquered Southern Africa, founded Rhodesia, and created the Rhodes Scholarship — imperialism's most complicated legacy
Rhodes made a fortune in diamonds (De Beers), conquered territory (Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe/Zambia), and established the Rhodes Scholarship — the world's most prestigious academic fellowship, funded by colonial exploitation.
Browse all 1,000 figures by category
Enable JavaScript to view the full "if they lived today" Q&A and personality profile.