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William Shakespeare

1564–1616

#15 of the most recognised people in history, ranked by everyone.

• #2 among writers & artists

Vote: Mahatma Gandhi vs William Shakespeare · See the Top 100

Nearby in the ranking

12. Ludwig van Beethoven 1770–1827
13. Michael Jackson 1958–2009
14. Mahatma Gandhi 1869–1948
15. William Shakespeare 1564–1616
16. Julius Caesar 99–43 BC
17. Elizabeth II 1926–2022
18. Jimmy Carter 1924–2024

Face-offs

• Mahatma Gandhi vs William Shakespeare 51% – 49%
• William Shakespeare vs Julius Caesar 50% – 50%
• William Shakespeare vs Michael Jackson 49% – 51%
• William Shakespeare vs Elizabeth II 50% – 50%
• William Shakespeare vs Ludwig van Beethoven 49% – 51%
• William Shakespeare vs Jimmy Carter 51% – 49%
• Leonardo da Vinci vs William Shakespeare 57% – 43%
• Pope Francis vs William Shakespeare 55% – 45%
• Alexander the Great vs William Shakespeare 52% – 48%
• Napoleon vs William Shakespeare 48% – 52%

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