Passion or Profession: King

Period: 1890–1983

Al-Sanusi was a leader in the Sanusi Muslim sect and in the Libyan resistance against Italian occupation between WWI and WWII. During WWII, al-Sanusi sided with Britain against Italy. So after Italy was defeated, the British supported him in becoming Libya's leader. When Libya gained full independence in 1951, al-Sanusi became king and took the name Idris. However, his rule was somewhat unpopular. In 1969, Idris was seeking medical care in Turkey, when Muammar Qaddafi seized control of the government. Idris spent the rest of his life in exile in Egypt.