William Robertson was a prominent Scottish historian and minister born in 1721. He is best known for his works on the history of Scotland and the Roman Empire. His most famous book, "The History of Scotland," published in 1759, provided a comprehensive account of Scotland's past and contributed significantly to the field of historical writing. In addition to his historical contributions, Robertson served as the principal of the University of Edinburgh from 1762 to 1793. His influence extended beyond academia, as he was also involved in the Scottish Enlightenment, a period marked by intellectual and cultural advancements in Scotland.