the history of rio is full of famous characters that throughout history helped to make rio one of the most famous cities in the world. from emperors and doctors to politicians and businessmen, there is no shortage of figures in rio.

pedro i, founder and first ruler of the empire of brazil was born in rio de janeiro - he is known as 'the liberator' and 'the soldier king. son of king dom joão vi of portugal and queen carlota joaquina, he became emperor of brazil in 1822 and ruled the empire until 1831 - he died in 1834 and he is remembered as a fundamental figure in introducing representative forms of government to brazil.