Hugo de Groot, also known as Grotius, was a Dutch jurist and philosopher born in 1583. He is best known for his contributions to international law and is often referred to as the "father of modern international law." His most famous work, De Jure Belli ac Pacis, laid the groundwork for the principles of just war and the rights of nations. In addition to his legal theories, de Groot was a prominent figure in the Dutch Golden Age and served as a diplomat and statesman. His ideas influenced many later thinkers and continue to be relevant in discussions of law and ethics today.