Roald Amundsen

Conquering the South Pole through meticulous planning and the use of sled dogs, Roald Amundsen became the first person to reach the Earth’s southernmost point in 1911. The Norwegian explorer was a master of Arctic survival, having also been the first to successfully navigate the Northwest Passage. He prioritized learning from indigenous Inuit techniques, which gave him a decisive edge over his rivals. He later disappeared during a rescue mission in the Arctic, dying as he lived—in the pursuit of the unknown. His cold-blooded efficiency and respect for the environment made him the greatest polar explorer in history.