43. Shaka
Also known as Shaka Zulu, he was one of the most influential monarchs of the Zulu Kingdom. He maintained a pretty big empire on his own on the southern tip of the African continent, mostly through the innovative ways he taught his soldiers how to fight. And it was because he was a warrior that his depictions in paintings and statues are so attractive. He was muscular throughout, which meant he always had his summer bod ready for whoever crossed his path. His enemies described him as “ugly,” but they were probably just jealous haters.