Ancient Times:
* Alexander the Great: A renowned military leader and conqueror who spread Greek culture throughout the ancient world.
* Cleopatra: The last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, known for her political prowess and romantic affairs.
* Julius Caesar: A Roman general, statesman, and author who played a crucial role in the rise of the Roman Empire.
* Confucius: A Chinese philosopher and teacher whose teachings have had a profound impact on East Asian culture.
* Buddha: A spiritual leader whose teachings form the basis of Buddhism.
* Jesus of Nazareth: A religious leader whose teachings form the basis of Christianity.
Medieval Period:
* Genghis Khan: A Mongol emperor who created the largest contiguous land empire in history.
* William the Conqueror: The first Norman king of England, known for his military conquest and his impact on English society.
* Joan of Arc: A French heroine who led the French army to victory in the Hundred Years' War.
* Marco Polo: A Venetian merchant and explorer whose travels to the Far East opened up new trade routes and cultural exchange.
Renaissance and Reformation:
* Leonardo da Vinci: A polymath, artist, scientist, and inventor who embodied the spirit of the Renaissance.
* Michelangelo: A painter, sculptor, architect, and poet known for his masterpieces like the Sistine Chapel ceiling.
* Martin Luther: A German theologian who sparked the Protestant Reformation with his critique of the Catholic Church.
It's important to remember that:
* Fame is a complex concept and its interpretation varies across time and cultures.
* The availability of information and historical records influences our perception of fame.
* The impact of individuals on history can be both positive and negative.
Therefore, it's impossible to definitively declare one person as the most famous in olden days. However, the individuals listed above are all significant figures who have left a lasting legacy on human history and culture.