Rabbi Akiva was a prominent Jewish scholar and teacher who lived during the first and second centuries CE. He is best known for his contributions to Mishnah and Talmud, foundational texts in Jewish law and ethics. Born to a poor family, he began studying at the age of 40 and became one of the most influential figures in Jewish history. Rabbi Akiva emphasized the importance of love and compassion, famously stating, "Love your neighbor as yourself" as a central principle of the Torah. He was a key figure in the development of Rabbinic Judaism and played a significant role in the Jewish resistance against Roman rule.