When you study history, you can read about it, watch documentaries - or you can draw your way through it with the help of these easy, step-by-step history drawing tutorials!
62 Easy History Drawing Ideas
Celtic Warrior
The Celts inhabited Europe many centuries ago. They left behind tantalizing artifacts. They used a writing system called Ogam, of which you can see an example on this warrior's chest.
George Washington
George Washington is a familiar figure, appearing on the U.S. quarter coin and the one-dollar bill. You can meet the first president of the United States with the help of this drawing guide.
How to Draw a Pyramid
Many cultures built pyramids - stone buildings shaped like triangular prisms. But the most famous pyramids are located in the deserts of Egypt, as pictured here.
William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was one of the most influential writers to ever live. If you've ever seen Romeo and Juliet or even The Lion King, you've been affected by his work. Draw him with his traditional haircut and garb.
VE Day Card
Victory in Europe Day, or V-E Day, celebrates the end of World War II in Europe. You can draw this soldier waving the British flag in triumph.
King
This monarch is decked out in traditional medieval European garb. Don't forget to check out the other royal drawings on this list, such as the crown and throne.
Sydney Opera House
The Sydney Opera House, with its overlapping seashell-like segments, is one of the most iconic buildings in the world. visit the Land Down Under with this drawing guide.
Abraham Lincoln
Honest Abe is famous for ending slavery in the United States. He is one of the most recognizable of U.S. presidents, wearing a beard and a tall "stovepipe" top hat.
Pirate
Aarg! This cartoon pirate represents the stereotypes of a pirate in the Caribbean - a captain's hat with a skull and crossbones emblem, an eye patch, and a wooden peg leg.
Wanted Poster
The world could use a cowboy right about now because this outlaw is wanted dead or alive. Spend some time in the American West with this drawing guide.
Pilgrim
This cartoon pilgrim presents the popular image of the religious freedom seekers who traveled to America in the 1600s. The beliefs of the pilgrims influenced their dress. They wore dark colors and their garments had little decoration.
Crown
This detailed and realistic crown resembles the Imperial State Crown or Crown Jewels worn by British monarchs. You will use simple shapes to draw the encrusting jewels.
Viking Ship
Long before the pirate pictured above, Vikings roamed the seas. Take notice of the colorful shields and the fearsome dragon's head carved into the front of the ship.
Sagrada Familia Church
The basilica or church is an imposing landmark in Spain. It was built in a Gothic style, with many columns and towers. It stands in stark contrast to the modern buildings in the city around it.
King Tut
The sarcophagus of the "boy king" is one of the most iconic items from ancient Egypt. This funeral mask featured the king's face, the heads of a vulture and a cobra, and his striped headdress and collar.
Throne
Did you draw the king, above? He needs a suitable place to sit. Draw this elaborate throne.
Knight Helmet
Do you dream of a knight in shining armor? Draw one! This valiant knight wears a metal helmet with a feathered plume on top.
Martin Luther King Jr
Martin Luther King has a dream for a better future. You can keep his dream alive when you draw his portrait.
Cartoon Knight
Did you draw the knight helmet, above? Don't stop there! Complete the picture with this full-bodied knight drawing.
Colosseum
The Colosseum was an ancient theater or stadium. Performances included everything from theatrical plays to gladiator battles and executions. You can still see the Colosseum in Rome today.
Zeus
Zeus was the primary god of the Greek pantheon. He was the father and leader of the gods. He was said to hurl lightning bolts in his anger, as you can see in the picture.
Egyptian Cat
Cats were considered sacred in ancient Egypt, and statues like this one have been found in ancient tombs. Pet cats were even mummified and entombed with their owners!
Roman Soldier
At one time, Rome had the most formidable army in the world. Its soldiers were well equipped with swords, shields, armor, and helmets like the ones you see in the picture.
White House
The White House is the seat of government in the United States. It has been home to every president except for George Washington, pictured above.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame is a famous cathedral in Paris, France. You can draw it along with other Parisian landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, below.
Aphrodite
Aphrodite was the Greek goddess of beauty and love. She is shown standing on a seashell because she was believed to have been born from sea foam and delivered to the shore on a scallop shell.
Athena
Athena was the Greek goddess of war, justice, and skill. She was the daughter of Zeus, pictured above.
Sphinx
Athena was the Greek goddess of war, justice, and skill. She was the daughter of Zeus, pictured above.
Big Ben
Big Ben is a giant clock tower, a famous landmark in London since 1859. Technically, the tower is called Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben is the bell inside it.
Pyramids of Giza
Did you draw the single pyramid, above? Now you can draw all of the Pyramids of Giza, including the famed Great Pyramid. Look for other ancient Egyptian artifacts on this list.
Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is a beautiful building in India. It has towers and domes similar to those of the mosque listed below.
Virgin Mary
In the Bible, Mary was the mother of Jesus. In our picture, she is dressed in the traditional clothing of her time. You will find a tutorial for drawing her son Jesus below.
Cornucopia
This Horn of Plenty is overflowing with pumpkins, corn, grasp, eggplant, and apples. This type of basket has roots in ancient Greek mythology. Today, it remains a part of harvest festivals around the world.
Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower is an icon of Paris, France. It is made of metal bars connected in a crisscross pattern.
Queen
Did you draw the king, crown, or throne above? Keep up the royal tradition by installing a queen. In our picture, she is wearing the attire and holding a scepter traditional of Europe.
Celtic Cross
Crosses like this one can be found in European carvings and artwork from the Middle Ages. By the ninth century, the symbol had become widespread.
Menorah
The menorah is a special candlestick or candelabra important to the Jewish religion. Eight of its nine arms topped with candles represent the eight days of the Hanukkah holiday.
Anubis
Anubis was the ancient Egyptian god of death, mummification, and tombs. Complete the scene by drawing Anubis along with the Egyptian cat and King Tut's sarcophagus, above.
Empire State Building
The Empire State Building was once the tallest building in the world, and it remains an iconic landmark in New York City. Explore its straight lines and rectangular architecture.
Samurai
The Samurai were a warrior class in feudal Japan. We've given our samurai image a traditional hairstyle, sword, and kimono.
Plague Doctor
Plague doctors wore long garments and bird-beak-like masks to prevent the spread of illness as they saw their patients, even though germs had not yet been discovered.
Buddha
The Buddha in this tutorial may not look like the jolly, plump version you are accustomed to. But this traditional Buddha is depicted with snails on his head, protecting him from the hot sun as he meditates.
Spartan Helmet
Did you draw the plumed helmets of the medieval knight and Roman soldier above? Their design can be traced to an even older warrior class - the Spartans of ancient Greece.
Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, is an American icon. Draw its straight lines and curved suspension cables.
Cowboy
Yee-haw! Here's a real rootin', tootin' cowboy from the American West. He is dressed traditionally in a cowboy hat, boots, and chaps, armed with a lasso and holstered pistols.
Jesus
In medieval art, Jesus is depicted with long hair, a halo around his head, robes, and a sash, as you can see in this drawing guide.
Isaac Newton
Isaac Newton was an important scientist. In this picture, you can see him wearing his powdered wig, and holding the fabled apple that helped him understand the law of gravity.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
Use straight and "U" shaped lines to draw this famous crooked tower. Then, look for other European landmarks on this list.
Titanic
The sinking of the Titanic may be the world's most famous shipwreck. You can sketch this "unsinkable" vessel using sleek lines, circles, and rectangles.
Mosque
Mosques are houses of prayer in the Islamic religion. They are often topped with domed roofs as you can see in the picture.
World Press Freedom Day Poster
Since 1993, World Press Freedom Day has commemorated the United Nations' focus on freedom of the press as well as an African free press declaration. The poster's pencil in hand resembles yours as you draw it!
Mummy
Mummies don't really come to life and walk around like this one, but mummified bodies can be found at many archeological sites. The bodies were often wrapped in strips of cloth, as in this classic mummy depiction.
Knight
You don't need to wait for your knight in shining armor to come for you - you can draw him instead! This knight has a plumed helmet, a full suit of armor, a sword, and a shield.
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States, following George Washington and John Adams. His image appears on currency and at his home of Monticello.
Uncle Sam
Uncle Sam's name was derived from the abbreviation of U.S. for the United States. He is a political cartoon who recruits soldiers by saying, "I want YOU for the U.S. Army.
Veterans Day Ribbon
This ribbon celebrates Veteran's Day, a time to remember all the soldiers who have fought in wars. It bears the stars and stripes of the American flag.
Prince
Many countries have been under royal rule at some point. All the sons of the king are princes. This one wears medieval clothing, a sword, and a crown.
The Great Wall of China
Some parts of the Great Wall are nearly 2,000 years old, and it's so big it can be seen from outer space. This architectural drawing encompasses more historical events than nearly any other.
The Parthenon Temple
Whether you're drawing the original in Greece or the replica in Nashville, Tennessee, this ancient temple is full of details, from the many columns to the battling statues on the roof.
The Liberty Bell
This bell has a famous crack. Did you know? The Liberty Bell has cracked twice - the brand-new bell cracked and was melted down. The new bell cracked several decades later on George Washington's birthday.
The Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence is an important historic document. The ink has faded to illegibility on the original, but you can write this one bold and bright.
The U.S. Capitol Building
This famous building appears on the back of the fifty-dollar bill. It is also one of the most important landmarks in Washington, D.C.
More About Drawing History
You may not be able to use a time machine to travel back in time and view history firsthand, but you can have a front-row seat to the world's most important events when you draw the historic people, objects, and places on this list.
Can you name all the presidents of the United States? You can meet some of them here. There are other famous faces here, too, such as William Shakespeare, Martin Luther King Jr., Jesus, and Isaac Newton. Or, travel way back in time and visit ancient civilizations in Egypt, India, Japan, and Europe to meet kings, warriors, gods, and goddesses.

Maybe you would like to travel to see important sites around the world. You can draw landmarks from Spain; Paris, France; Sydney, Australia; London, England; San Francisco, California; New York City; Rome; and other places on your bucket list.

Are you ready for the ride of your life? Grab your pencils and your sketchbook, and hold on tight. We're about to take a whirlwind tour of the history of the world!
See a Google Web Story of this History Drawing Ideas Blog Post.