Like some of the other Classical history is what I really love. However some fantastic stuff has happend in the time period the OP asked for.
The Sengoku period in Japan: Period of the Waring States. In a nutshell, this was the golden age of the Samurai. Powerful Diamyo's had armies of troops independent of the central government and fought to control Japan as a warlord-Shogun. While he was never the Shougun, that went to Tokugawa Ieyasu, my favorite Diamyo of this era is the brilliant Takeda Shingen.
The Tudor reconquest of Ireland-Surrender and regrant: While not my favorite era of history, I'm Irish, it is a very important one for both the U.K. and the Republic. It is also an inspired piece of political maneuvering. A quick overview is that an Irish King would surrender his lands to the British Crown. He would then be regranted his lands back; he would recive the title or Earl, ect. However, he had to pay tax, speak English, covert to Protestantism, ect. The big problem was the new Earl could not give the land to his son; upon his death it was up to the British who got the land.
Napoleon I: It is impossible to talk about the 1800's and not mention him. He often gets a bad press. I have read that some belive that many of is victroies were due to having fantastic second in commands and poor foes. Could this be the key to his success? Sure, of course it could. However, a good commander will surround himself with the best and will exploit any weakness shown by his foe.
"Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever".
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