The Most Famous Person in Ancient History, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the person you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 19, 2024 08:17

Throughout the annals of time, the stories of certain legendary figures have reverberated through the centuries, shaping our understanding of the past and our cultural heritage. Ranking the most famous person in ancient history isn't just about naming great leaders or scholars; it's about acknowledging the profound impact these individuals have had on the world, influencing everything from laws to philosophies to art. By participating in voting for these historic individuals, users contribute to a collective recognition of their legacy. This ongoing process of ranking helps clarify which qualities and actions have stood the test of time, telling us what we, as a society, value most in our heroes. It’s an engaging way to connect with history, sparking curiosity and debate over the lives that have sculpted our civilization.

Who Is the Most Famous Person in Ancient History?

1

42
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Julius Caesar

William Shakespeare

Julius Caesar - one of the most influential figures in ancient Rome, known for his military conquests and political power.
Julius Caesar is a tragedy play written by William Shakespeare. It portrays the conspiracy against and assassination of Roman dictator Julius Caesar, as well as its aftermath. The play explores themes of power, loyalty, friendship, betrayal, and the consequences of political ambition.

Genre: Tragedy

Date of Composition: 1599-1600

Setting: Ancient Rome

Number of Acts: 5

Protagonist: Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Caesar
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous conqueror
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous historical person
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous ambidextrous person
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous deceased person
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous Italian person
2

25
votes
Unknown creatorUnknown creator · Public domain

Alexander the Great

Alexander the Great is a legendary Greek king who conquered much of the known world, leaving a lasting impact on history.
Alexander the Great in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Alexander
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Greek
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Macedonian
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous conqueror
3

19
votes
Cleopatra

Cleopatra - the last pharaoh of ancient Egypt, known for her beauty, intelligence, and political prowess.
Cleopatra is a song by the American folk rock band The Lumineers. It was released in 2016 as the title track of their second studio album, 'Cleopatra'. The song tells a poignant story of a woman reflecting on her life as she looks back on her journey and the choices she has made. The lyrics are introspective and evocative, accompanied by the band's signature acoustic sound.

Album: Cleopatra

Release Year: 2016

Genre: Folk rock

Length: 3:23

Label: Dualtone Music Group
4

6
votes
Ramses II

Ramses II - the longest reigning pharaoh in ancient Egypt, known for his military campaigns and impressive building projects.
Ramses II in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Ancient Egyptian
5

17
votes

Confucius

Confucius is a Chinese philosopher whose teachings and writings have had a profound impact on Chinese culture and society.
6

10
votes

Buddha

Buddha - the founder of Buddhism, whose teachings have influenced millions of people around the world.
7

5
votes
Emperor Qin Shi Huang

Qin Shi Huang

Emperor Qin Shi Huang - the first emperor of China, known for unifying the country and building the Great Wall of China.
Emperor Qin Shi Huang, also known as Qin Shi Huangdi, was the first emperor of a unified China. He ruled from 221 to 210 BC and is considered one of the most influential and controversial figures in Chinese history. Qin Shi Huang is renowned for his success in unifying China and implementing various reforms and construction projects. His reign marks the beginning of the Qin dynasty, which lasted only 15 years but laid the foundation for the subsequent Han dynasty.

Birth Name: Ying Zheng

Reign Period: 221 to 210 BC

Dynasty: Qin dynasty

Terracotta Army: Construction of an extensive funerary army

Great Wall of China: Initiated the initial construction of the Great Wall
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7
votes

© 1932 by Phaidon Verlag (Wien-Leipzig) · Public domain

Hannibal Barca

Hannibal Barca is a Carthaginian general known for his military genius and famous crossing of the Alps with an army during the Second Punic War.
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8
votes

Socrates

Socrates is a Greek philosopher known for his method of questioning and his belief in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.
10

2
votes

Ashoka

Ashoka - an Indian emperor who converted to Buddhism and promoted peace, religious tolerance, and social welfare programs throughout his empire.

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Ranking factors for famous person

Historical Significance

The person's impact on ancient history and how their actions shaped the course of events. This includes their role in political, social, cultural, or military spheres.
Achievements

The person's notable accomplishments, innovations, or contributions to their respective field, whether it be in art, literature, science, philosophy, or leadership.
Time Period

The prominence and recognition of the person within the specific era in which they lived. Their influence during their lifetime and the subsequent centuries can contribute to their level of fame.
Legacy

The lasting impact of the person's ideas, teachings, or principles on subsequent generations. This can include the continued study, influence, or relevance of their works.
Global Influence

The extent to which the person's fame and influence reached beyond their immediate region or civilization, and how far their renown traveled during ancient times.
Documentation

The availability and reliability of historical records or writings about the person. The number, quality, and credibility of sources can impact their perceived fame.
Popularity

The recognition and perception of the person by their contemporaries and subsequent generations. This can include their reputation, public acclaim, or the degree to which their name and deeds were widely known.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous person in ancient history. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or person is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1600 views
146 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each person once every 24 hours. The rank of each person is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous person in ancient history

Ancient history is a vast and fascinating field that encompasses the civilizations and cultures of the past. From the magnificent pyramids of Egypt to the towering statues of Greece, ancient history is full of larger-than-life figures who have captured our imaginations for centuries. But who is the most famous person in ancient history? This is a question that has puzzled scholars, historians, and enthusiasts alike. Some might argue that it is Alexander the Great, whose conquests spanned three continents and established a vast empire. Others might point to Julius Caesar, whose military prowess and political ambition changed the course of Roman history. And of course, there are figures like Cleopatra, who have become legendary for their beauty, wit, and cunning. Whatever your answer may be, the most famous person in ancient history is sure to be a figure of immense importance and enduring fascination.