Croatian

Popular Croatian central midfielder Ivan Rakitić now represents FC Barcelona. Though born in Switzerland, the talented footballer has never played for the country. Known for his energy on the field, he was instrumental in taking his team to the final of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Slavica Ecclestone is a Croatian model best known for her association with Armani during her early career. She achieved international recognition after marrying British business magnate Bernie Ecclestone, who is 28 years older than Slavica. They married despite many differences, including a difference in height and language barrier, which attracted the attention of the media all over the world.

Following his 6-year stint with Liverpool, Croatian footballer Dejan Lovren has now moved to Russia to captain Zenit Saint Petersburg. He spent his early childhood in the war-torn Bosnia and Herzegovina and then escaped to Germany and eventually to Croatia. He led Croatia to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.

Oja Kodar is a Croatian actress, director, and screenwriter. Kodar's professional achievements are often overshadowed by her relationship with legendary American actor and filmmaker, Orson Welles. Kodar's relationship with Welles during the latter's final years was sensationalized by the media as the actor was still married to Paola Mori. Kodar’s early career as an actress mostly revolved around Welles' projects.

Born to a Balkan military officer, Probus was initially a promising army man and later rose to be the Roman emperor. Though he allowed many tribes from outside his kingdom to settle in his land, his entire reign was spent fighting hostile campaigns by such tribes. He was killed in a military mutiny.

Roman emperor Maximian, also known as Herculius, initially made a name for himself in the army. He followed Diocletian’s edict that ordered the Scriptures to be burnt and churches to be shut down. After his campaign against Constantine was suppressed, he committed suicide by hanging himself on Constantine’s orders.

The 1st president of Croatia, Franjo Tudjman is known for his efforts in helping his country gain independence from Yugoslavia. He was one of the youngest generals of the Yugoslav army in his early days but later got into trouble for his anti-government activities. He established the Croatian Democratic Union.

Ivo Andric was a Yugoslav short story writer, poet, and novelist. Andric won the 1961 Nobel Prize in Literature after the Nobel Committee chose him over writers like Robert Frost, E. M. Forster, John Steinbeck, and J. R. R. Tolkien. After receiving the award, Andric's works were translated into several languages as they found an international audience.