Herodotus (circa 484–425 BCE):

Herodotus is often referred to as the "Father of History." He wrote "The Histories," which is considered
one of the earliest works of history in Western literature. Herodotus traveled extensively, collecting
information, and his work covers the Greco-Persian Wars, geography, anthropology, and cultural
practices of various peoples.

Thucydides (circa 460–395 BCE):

Thucydides was an ancient Greek historian known for his work "History of the Peloponnesian War." He
emphasized the importance of accurate documentation and analysis of historical events, attempting to
provide an objective and factual account of the war between Athens and Sparta.

Edward Gibbon (1737–1794):

Gibbon was an English historian famous for his monumental work "The History of the Decline and Fall of
the Roman Empire." His contribution lies in his meticulous research and analysis of the Roman Empire's
decline, spanning over six volumes. Gibbon's work is highly regarded for its narrative style and critical
approach to historical sources.

Leopold von Ranke (1795–1886):

Von Ranke, a German historian, is considered one of the founders of modern source-based history. He
emphasized the importance of primary sources and objectivity in historical research. His approach
focused on presenting history as it "actually happened" rather than through interpretation or moral
judgments.

Fernand Braudel (1902–1985):

Braudel was a French historian known for his work on the Mediterranean region and the concept of
"total history." He introduced the idea of historical structures and long-term patterns, arguing for the
importance of understanding geography, economics, and social structures in historical analysis. Braudel's
work influenced the development of the Annales School of historical thought.