Why is Napoleon such an important historical figure? 

By Michal Ugor

Surely there are many but to name a few:

• Unlike most political leaders he actually fought in the front lines
• Took a country in distress and changed it to thriving power - that was not achieved by war alone, there were many reforms
• One of the most notable legal reforms was Napoleonic Code, the beginning of modern codified civil rights
• He can be considered a founder of Modern Egyptology
• He rose from practically being a zero - Napoleon came from a small island with humble beginnings
• He was vigorous man and brilliant mind - even in exile in St Helena, he would keep bothering Governor with ideas on how he can improve the place, infrastructure of the city, supply chain etc.