The Most Famous Barbarian, Ranked

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

Updated on May 27, 2024 07:37

Throughout history, the tales of barbarians have captivated the imaginations of many. These fierce warriors, often emanating from various tribes and cultures, have played pivotal roles in shaping the histories of empires and nations. Their stories are not only about conquest and destruction but also about strategy, leadership, and occasional cultural exchanges. By establishing a ranked list of the most famous barbarians, readers gain the opportunity to see which figures have resonated the most with audiences today. This process of voting and ranking encourages interaction and discussion, providing a dynamic way to engage with history and assess the impact of these legendary figures. It is your participation that continually refreshes and refines our understanding of who the most influential barbarians are based on collective viewpoints.

Who Is the Most Famous Barbarian?

1

57
votes
Source

Genghis Khan

Founder and first Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, which became the largest contiguous empire in history after his death.
- Reign: 1206-1227 AD
- Known for: Establishing the Mongol Empire
In other topics
2

35
votes
Source

Attila the Hun

Leader of the Huns from 434 until his death in March 453. He is considered one of the greatest barbarian rulers who invaded and plundered parts of Europe.
- Reign: 434-453 AD
- Known for: The Scourge of God
In other topics
- Position 5 in the ranking of the most famous person from El Paso, Texas
- Position 4 in the ranking of the most famous conqueror
3

0
votes
Source

Arminius

A chieftain of the Germanic Cherusci tribe who is best known for defeating a Roman army in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest.
- Known Battle: Battle of the Teutoburg Forest
- Year: 9 AD
4

0
votes
Source

Boudica

Queen of the British Celtic Iceni tribe who led an uprising against the occupying forces of the Roman Empire.
- Uprising Year: AD 60 or 61
- Known for: Leading a major uprising against Rome
In other topics
- Position 8 in the ranking of the most popular warrior of Hope
5

0
votes
Source

Clovis I

First King of the Franks to unite all of the Frankish tribes under one ruler, changing the form of leadership from a group of royal chieftains to rule by a single king.
- Reign: 481-511 AD
- Known for: Uniting the Frankish tribes
6

0
votes
Source

Alaric I

First King of the Visigoths from 395–410, best known for his sack of Rome in 410, the first since the 3rd century.
- Reign: 395-410 AD
- Known for: Sack of Rome in 410 AD
7

0
votes
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Odoacer

Germanic soldier, who deposed the last Roman emperor in the West, Romulus Augustulus, in 476 AD, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire.
- Reign: 476-493 AD
- Known for: Ending the Western Roman Empire
8

0
votes
Source

Hannibal Barca

Carthaginian general, considered one of the greatest military commanders in history, known for his crossing of the Alps with a large army and war elephants during the Second Punic War.
- War: Second Punic War
- Known for: Crossing the Alps with elephants
In other topics
- Position 9 in the ranking of the most famous army general
9

0
votes
Source

Erik the Red

Norse Viking explorer, remembered in medieval and Icelandic saga sources as having founded the first settlement in Greenland.
- Settlement Year: c. 982 AD
- Known for: Founding the first Norse settlement in Greenland
In other topics
10

0
votes
Source

Vercingetorix

King and chieftain of the Arverni tribe, he led the Gauls in a major revolt against Roman forces during the last phase of Julius Caesar's Gallic Wars.
- Reign: 52 BC
- Known for: Revolt against Rome

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About this ranking

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

Statistics

3442 views
92 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

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

More about the Most Famous Barbarian

Rank #1 for the most famous Barbarian: Genghis Khan (Source)

In ancient times, the term "barbarian" described people from outside the Roman Empire. Romans saw them as uncivilized and wild. These groups lived in tribes with their own leaders. They had different customs, languages, and ways of life. Many came from regions like Germania, Gaul, and the steppes of Asia.

Barbarians often clashed with the Roman Empire. They raided towns and villages, seeking wealth and land. Some were fierce warriors, known for their strength and bravery. They fought with swords, axes, and spears. Their skills in battle made them both feared and respected.

These tribes had rich cultures. They told stories of their ancestors and gods. They held festivals and rituals to honor their traditions. Their art and crafts showed great skill and creativity. They made weapons, jewelry, and tools from metal and wood.

The Romans tried to defend their borders from barbarian invasions. They built walls and forts to keep them out. Yet, over time, some barbarians settled within the empire. They became farmers, soldiers, and traders. They adopted Roman customs and language, blending cultures.

Despite their reputation, barbarians played a key role in history. They challenged the Roman Empire, leading to its decline. Their invasions and settlements changed the course of European history. They paved the way for the Middle Ages and the rise of new kingdoms.

The legacy of barbarians is complex. They were both destroyers and creators. They brought chaos but also new beginnings. Their influence shaped the world in ways still felt today.