Artist Named “Most Important Human of the Millennium”

Ludwig van Beethoven was named the most important human of the millennium by the book 1000 Years, 1000 People (1998). The book ranks historical figures based on their lasting influence, contributions to wisdom and beauty in the world, influence on contemporaries, genius and fame. Of the most important humans of the last 1000 years, three of the top six were artists. In addition to Beethoven at #1, they also listed Leonardo da Vinci (#2) and William Shakespeare (#6).

In a recent BBC poll out of London, a different artist was chosen by the British public as the most important person of the last 1000 years—William Shakespeare beat out the rest by a mile.

—Minneapolis Star Tribune,1999