List of people known as the Great

[1] The title was inherited by Alexander III when he conquered the Persian Empire, and the epithet eventually became personally associated with him.

Once the term gained currency, it was broadened to include persons in other fields, such as the philosopher Albert the Great.

Later rulers and commanders were given the epithet during their lifetime, for example, the Roman general Pompey.

Others received the title posthumously, such as the Indian emperor Ashoka.

For example, Louis XIV of France was often referred to as "the Great" in his lifetime, but is rarely called such nowadays, later writers preferring his more specific epithet "the Sun King".