Prussia's Frederick the Great (1712-1786) came to power in 1740 as ruler of a small country in Europe that would soon dominate the world stage and influence European history for decades to pass. A brilliant mind, Frederick sponsored such intellectuals as Voltaire at his court, and even gave the construction of the pianos of Silbermann a helping hand. Yet centuries later he's not remembered as the ruler that helped the arts and sciences, but rather as a superb soldier-king, a master of the art...

Prussia's Frederick the Great (1712-1786) came to power in 1740 as ruler of a small country in Europe that would soon dominate the world stage and influence European history for decades to pass. A brilliant mind, Frederick sponsored such intellectuals as Voltaire at his court, and even gave the construction of the pianos of Silbermann a helping hand. Yet centuries later he's not remembered as the ruler that helped the arts and sciences, but rather as a superb soldier-king, a master of the art of war.