Ashoka the Great

Ashoka (sometimes written as Asoka) means "He who is loved by the Gods and who is friendly to everyone". He was an Indian emperor, of the Maurya dynasty of India who ruled from 273 BCE to 232 BCE. Often cited as one of India's greatest emperor, Ashoka reigned over most of present-day India after a number of military conquests. After fighting a war with 200,457 casualties, he decided to become a Buddhist and lead with peace, not war. In order to accomplish this, he set up hospitals for animals and humans, as well as shade and rest areas along roads for weary travelers to rest.