100 Famous People Who Changed the World - [Foreign Edition] (2 Volumes) (Children's Phonetic Color Illustration Edition) (Includes CD)

Author: Xing Tao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: The Emperor Who Made a Name for Himself – Augustus
Augustus was the founding emperor of the Roman Empire. At the age of 19, he entered the political arena and brought two centuries of peace and prosperity to Rome. Augustus was born into a knightly family, but his father died when he was only four years old. However, Augustus soon had another father—his uncle, Caesar. He became Caesar’s adopted son and inherited most of Caesar’s wealth. After Caesar’s assassination, the 19-year-old Augustus realized that he was not only inheriting Caesar’s wealth but also his power. This motivated him to leave his hometown and enter the treacherous Roman political arena.
When he first arrived in Rome, Mark Antony, Caesar’s trusted general, believed himself to be Caesar’s successor and looked down on the young Augustus. But Augustus quickly demonstrated the demeanor of Caesar’s heir. He used the power of the Senate to declare war on Antony and won decisive victories at Mutina and Actium. After these battles, Augustus not only became the Roman consul but also earned Antony’s respect. Later, Augustus and Antony worked closely together, leading 28 legions into Greece and defeating Caesar’s assassins one by one. After this major battle, Augustus returned to Rome, focused on consolidating his power, and quickly built a strong military force. In 32 BC, Augustus and Antony openly clashed for power and fought a fierce battle at the Battle of Actium. In the end, Antony was defeated and committed suicide, marking the end of the Roman Civil War. Augustus finally seized control of the Roman government through his own strength in this political struggle. In 27 BC, Augustus accepted the title of "Augustus" from the Roman Senate and officially became the ruler of Rome. He spent 40 years building a powerful Roman Empire.
The Virgin Queen – Elizabeth I
During her 45-year reign, England transformed from a small nation into one of Europe’s major powers. Elizabeth was born in the Palace of Whitehall in London and was the only surviving child of Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. From the moment she was born, she was caught in the turmoil of royal struggles. Because her parents married according to Protestant rites, the Catholic Church considered her an illegitimate child. Elizabeth was designated as the heir to the throne at birth, and her half-sister, Mary, became her governess. However, this period of happiness did not last long. When Elizabeth was only two years and eight months old, her mother, Anne Boleyn, was executed by Henry VIII for the of adultery. This event cast a shadow over Elizabeth’s young mind. From then on, Elizabeth entered a period filled with hardship and doubt.
After her mother’s death, the ruthless Henry VIII declared Elizabeth an illegitimate child and exiled her from the court. Later, the kind-hearted Catherine Parr (Henry VIII’s last wife) brought the unfortunate Elizabeth back to Henry VIII’s side. Catherine was well-educated, knowledgeable, and kind-hearted, and she encouraged Elizabeth to study. During this time, Elizabeth received an excellent education and studied under the famous Renaissance humanist Roger Ascham, learning history, mathematics, poetry, and languages.