Can You Name These Famous Historical Figures?

By: Rebecca Curran
Published: Saturday, March 23, 2024
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Human history spans thousands of years, and there are hundreds of historical figures who've shaped and molded the world as we know it today. Even the most knowledgeable of history buffs may not be able to identify a portrait of Pocahontas or a photo of Joseph Stalin; however, these historical figures were well enough known to have become part of public consciousness at some point during history. Still, regardless of what we've read, or the pictures we've seen, not everyone commits the information or the images to memory.

Depending on the time in history we're exploring, we'll find historical figures who became famous because of their inventions, leadership, creativity, or another contribution to humanity. Still, knowing that Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin were both inventors, as well as political figures in American history, is one thing, but can you tell who's who when you look at a photo of the two?

Maybe using the knowledge of who these historical figures were and what they contributed will give you a hint as to whose picture you're viewing.

For example, an image of George Washington will surely include a powered wig because of the era in which the creation of the portrait took place. Likewise, whether the image is a painting or a photo—and even what type of photo—may provide a contextual clue if you consider the time period in which the historical figure lived.

Truthfully, not everyone pays attention to history or can identify half of the historical figures on our list. However, you may be surprised at the details you've picked up on over your lifetime, just by reading the newspaper, watching television, or looking at a magazine. Indeed, we know more about history and historical figures than we realize.

An excellent illustration of your hidden knowledge may be the fact that you know who Martin Luther King Jr. is because we have a holiday honoring this extraordinary and important human rights advocate. Similarly, you may know what Abraham Lincoln looks like because his face adorns the penny, even if you don't know that the United States Mint first issued the one-cent coin in 1909.

Let's look back and see the array of photos and portraits that document historical figures throughout time. Are you ready? Then go ahead and flex your trivia muscles— Let's see how many famous historical figures you can name.