Charles V

I personally think Charles V was the best monarch in history due to his importance in the 16th century. He was the King of Spain and Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. He had territories spanning the globe. He had Spain, The Netherlands. Franche-Comte, Naples, Sicily, Milan, an empire in the New World, and the Philippines. He stopped the Ottoman advance in Europe by preventing them from taking Vienna, he encouraged people to do the arts throught his empire and he also encouraged exploration and paid for expeditions. For example the conquest of the Aztecs or the circumnavigation of the globe by Magellan and his crew. He spoke many languages and was very brave. In the Battle of Mühlberg he showed his bravery when he wanted to get closer to the front of his army but his advisers told him not to but he said in defense "Name me an emperor who was ever struck by a cannonball” He defended the Catholic faith against Martin Luther. He was a very devout Catholic. He was the biggest influential monarch of his time. He once said " I came, I saw, and God conquered" If you want to learn more about Charles V you can go to:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles..._Roman_Emperor

or for quotes you can go here:

http://thinkexist.com/quotes/Charles_V/

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JohnnyH

Depends upon the criteria used to judge them, and upon the national bias of the selectors!

Also, can they still be considered great just because they didn't involve themselves in continental affairs? (inter-tribal warfare?)

I'd probably choose from;

Alfred the Great of Wessex(871-99)
Charlemagne (c.742-814)
Canute (1016-35)
Malcolm II of Scotland (1005-34)

Nikd

As criteria i put effort and reults in war and peace, from that view i can say :
Elizabeth I
Alexander
Charlemagne
Peter the great
Augustus

dienekes

Alexander the Great

The Sun King

agree

Professor Phantom

The best monarch in history would have to be King Arthur of England, if for those of you who believe he never existed then King Louis IV.

The Sun King

Personally, I think Louis XIV was the greatest monarch in history. First of all he converted France from a fuedal society to a modern power. The 17 century is known as the Age of Louis XIV because of his great influence on the era. For one, he established the French academy of sciences in 1666, which was a leader in all scientific fields for hundreds of years. He oversaw the expansion of France into the New World and encouraged French citizens to travel there. Because of his influence and greatness, French became the official language of class and luxury. In fact, Fredrick the Great only spoke French in public. Louis' famous portrait by Hyacinthe Riguad at his coronation was so spectacular that future leaders would model their coronation stances and clothings after Louis. Also, Louis XIV was known as The Sun King because all the nobility and politics of France revolved around him. This was the first time that France was lead by a single ruler and not by fuedal lords and vassals. In addition, he was named The Sun King because his influence was as far spreading as the rays of the sun. Louis fought three major wars, all of which he won. He placed a Bourbon King on the Spanish Throne, and created safer borders for the French Territories. He felt his greatest acomplishment was the construction of Versailles, the most beautiful and luxourious palace in Europe, and possibly the world. Thats why I think Louis XIV is the greatest monarch in history.

CelticBard

King Ralph.

fire_of_sekhmet

Alexander the Great
Augustus
Elizabeth I
Ramses II

Margrave

Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor