The Most Famous Traitor, Ranked

Choose the traitor you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Jul 26, 2024 07:51
Throughout history, figures who have betrayed their countries, friends, or causes have always sparked intense debate and curiosity. Understanding who these individuals are and the impact of their actions helps us learn about loyalty, betrayal, and the complex fabric of human relationships. By ranking the most famous traitors, we gain insight into societal values and the consequences of such profound betrayals. Here, you can participate in shaping a list that captures the infamy of notable traitors. Your votes compile an evolving list reflective of collective opinions and historical awareness. This engages a community dialogue on who should be remembered for their notorious decisions and why it is significant to remember their stories.

Who Is the Most Famous Traitor?

  1. 1
    32
    points
    Benedict Arnold

    Benedict Arnold

    A general during the American Revolutionary War who defected from the American to the British side.
    • Notable betrayal: Planned to surrender West Point to the British.
  2. 2
    25
    points
    Judas Iscariot

    Judas Iscariot

    One of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus who is known for betraying Jesus to the authorities in exchange for thirty silver coins.
    • Betrayal method: Identified Jesus to the soldiers by giving him a kiss.
  3. 3
    16
    points
    Robert Hanssen

    Robert Hanssen

    A former FBI agent who spied for Soviet and Russian intelligence services against the United States from 1979 to 2001.
    • Amount of damage: Considered the most damaging spy in FBI history.
  4. 4
    9
    points
    Vidkun Quisling

    Vidkun Quisling

    A Norwegian military officer and politician who collaborated with the Nazis during World War II, leading to the term 'quisling' becoming synonymous with 'traitor'.
    • Role: Head of the Norwegian government under Nazi occupation.
  5. 5
    8
    points
    Aldrich Ames

    Aldrich Ames

    A former CIA officer turned KGB mole, who was convicted of espionage in 1994.
    • Compromised operations: Compromised more CIA assets than any other mole.
  6. 6
    1
    points
    Guy Fawkes

    Guy Fawkes

    A member of a group of provincial English Catholics who planned the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605.
    • Objective: Planned to blow up the House of Lords to kill King James I.
  7. 7
    1
    points

    Brutus

    A Roman politician best known for his role in the assassination of Julius Caesar.
    • Relation to Caesar: Often thought of as a son by Caesar.
  8. 8
    0
    points

    Ephialtes of Trachis

    Betrayed his fellow Greeks by showing the Persians a path around the pass at Thermopylae in 480 BC.
    • Consequence: Enabled the Persians to outflank and defeat the Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae.
  9. 9
    0
    points
    Mir Jafar

    Mir Jafar

    The commander of the Bengal army who betrayed the Nawab of Bengal during the Battle of Plassey in 1757, aligning with the British East India Company.
    • Result of betrayal: Led to the British East India Company's control over Bengal and eventually much of India.
  10. 10
    0
    points
    Tokugawa Ieyasu

    Tokugawa Ieyasu

    The founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, who is sometimes considered a traitor for his role in the Battle of Sekigahara where he switched sides, leading to a decisive victory.
    • Impact: His victory at Sekigahara led to the unification of Japan under his shogunate.

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About this ranking

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

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  • 92 votes
  • 10 ranked items

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Voting Rules

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

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More about the Most Famous Traitor

Benedict Arnold
Rank #1 for the most famous traitor: Benedict Arnold (Source)
Throughout history, betrayal has left deep scars on societies. The act of turning against one's own has always been seen as the ultimate breach of trust. Betrayal can happen in many forms, but the most famous traitors often come from within. They are the ones who were once trusted allies, friends, or even family members.

Betrayal often stems from personal gain. Money, power, or revenge can drive a person to betray those who trust them. Sometimes, the reasons are complex, involving deep-seated grudges or a sense of injustice. Regardless of the motive, the act itself is always a shock to those who experience it.

The impact of betrayal is profound. It can change the course of history, alter the fate of nations, and lead to the downfall of leaders. The sense of betrayal can linger for generations, affecting the collective memory of a community or country. The stories of famous traitors often serve as cautionary tales, reminding people of the dangers of misplaced trust.

In literature and folklore, traitors are often depicted as villains. Their actions are condemned, and their names become synonymous with treachery. These stories highlight the moral and ethical boundaries that betrayal crosses. They also serve to reinforce the values of loyalty and trust, which are crucial for the cohesion of any group or society.

The psychology of a traitor is complex. They often feel justified in their actions, believing that their betrayal serves a greater good or personal vendetta. This rationalization helps them cope with the guilt and shame that come with their actions. However, history rarely views them kindly. Once their betrayal is exposed, they often face severe consequences.

The methods of betrayal can vary. Some traitors provide crucial information to enemies, while others actively work to undermine their own side. The tools they use can range from secret communications to outright sabotage. The common thread is the element of deceit, which makes their actions so devastating.

Trust is a fragile thing. Once broken, it is hard to repair. The stories of famous traitors remind us of this fragility. They show how one person's actions can have far-reaching effects, disrupting the lives of many. They also highlight the importance of vigilance and the need to carefully choose whom we trust.

The legacy of betrayal is lasting. It becomes part of the historical narrative, shaping how future generations view the past. The names of famous traitors are often etched in history books, serving as a reminder of the consequences of treachery. These stories continue to captivate us because they touch on fundamental aspects of human nature—trust, loyalty, and the capacity for deceit.

In the end, the most famous traitors are those whose actions have had a significant impact. Their stories are retold because they offer valuable lessons. They remind us of the importance of loyalty and the dangers of betrayal. They serve as a stark reminder that trust is a precious commodity, one that should never be taken for granted.

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