The 10 Greatest Polyglots in History

Throughout history, certain individuals have demonstrated an extraordinary ability to master multiple languages, earning them a place among the greatest polyglots who ever lived. These linguistic masters not only spoke numerous languages but also used their talents to bridge cultures, advance scholarship, and leave lasting impacts on human knowledge. Here are ten of the most remarkable polyglots from history whose linguistic achievements continue to inspire language learners today.

1. Cardinal Giuseppe Gasparo Mezzofanti (1774-1849)

Often regarded as the greatest polyglot in recorded history, Cardinal Giuseppe Mezzofanti spoke an astounding 38 languages fluently and understood many more[1][2]. Born in Bologna, Italy, as the son of a poor carpenter, Mezzofanti displayed extraordinary linguistic abilities from childhood[3]. He never left Italy yet managed to speak languages without any detectable accent, amazing visitors from around the world who came to test his abilities[2][4].

What made Mezzofanti truly exceptional was his methodical approach to language learning and his perfect memory[5]. He learned many languages by speaking with foreign soldiers and missionaries who passed through Bologna, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars when hospitals were filled with wounded soldiers from across Europe[2]. Legend has it that he once learned an entire language overnight to hear the confession of a condemned foreign prisoner[4]. Lord Byron famously called him "a monster of languages, the Briareus of parts of speech, a walking polyglot"[3].

2. Sir John Bowring (1792-1872)

Sir John Bowring stands as one of history's most prolific polyglots, reportedly able to communicate in around 200 languages and having working knowledge of 100 more[6][7]. This British polyglot, politician, and economist possessed what can only be described as a superhuman memory that allowed him to absorb languages at an unprecedented rate[7].

Bowring's linguistic abilities were so impressive that Queen Victoria appointed him as Governor of Hong Kong, though his diplomatic career proved more controversial than his language skills[7]. His photographic memory enabled him to read books in new languages and commit them to memory faster than most people could learn basic vocabulary[7]. He was also a prolific translator, working with poetry and literature from Russia, Eastern Europe, and Spain[6].

3. Al-Farabi (870-950)

The Islamic philosopher Abu Nasr Al-Farabi was reputed to know an extraordinary 70 languages[8][9]. Known as "the Second Teacher" after Aristotle, Al-Farabi was a polyglot whose linguistic abilities enabled him to study Greek, Syrian, and Persian cultures in depth[9]. His multilingual skills were crucial to his role as a bridge between civilizations, helping to translate and interpret Aristotelian philosophy for the Islamic world[10].

Al-Farabi's approach to languages was scholarly and systematic, using his linguistic knowledge to advance philosophical and scientific understanding[11]. His ability to work across multiple linguistic traditions made him one of the most influential thinkers of his era, with his works preserved in libraries from Cairo to Paris[9].

4. Mithridates VI of Pontus (135-63 BC)

One of history's earliest recorded polyglots, King Mithridates VI of Pontus could speak the languages of all twenty-two nations he ruled[8][12]. According to the Roman historian Pliny the Elder, this formidable ruler used his linguistic abilities as a tool of governance and military strategy[8]. His polyglot skills were particularly valuable in managing his diverse empire, which spanned multiple ethnic and linguistic groups around the Black Sea[12].

Mithridates combined his linguistic talents with his political acumen, making him one of Rome's most formidable opponents during the Mithridatic Wars[12]. His ability to communicate directly with soldiers and subjects from different nations gave him significant advantages in both diplomacy and warfare[8].

5. Harold Williams (1876-1928)

Harold Whitmore Williams, a New Zealand journalist who became foreign editor of The Times, is considered one of the most accomplished polyglots in history, knowing over 58 languages[13]. His linguistic journey began with what he described as "an explosion in his brain" at age seven, after which his capacity to learn languages grew extraordinarily[13].

Williams demonstrated remarkable self-teaching abilities, constructing grammars and vocabularies from Gospel translations in languages like Dobu and Niue[13]. By the time he attended high school, he had already mastered Latin, Ancient Greek, Hebrew, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Māori, Samoan, Tongan, Fijian, and other Polynesian languages[13]. His linguistic skills proved invaluable in his career as a foreign correspondent, where he could communicate directly with sources across Europe and beyond[13].

6. Sir Richard Francis Burton (1821-1890)

The legendary British explorer and orientalist Sir Richard Burton spoke up to 29 different languages, using his linguistic abilities to facilitate his groundbreaking travels and explorations[14][15]. Burton's polyglot skills were essential to his most famous achievement: completing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca in disguise as a Muslim sheikh[15]. His fluency in Arabic, along with his deep understanding of Islamic culture, allowed him to become one of the first Europeans to visit the holy city[15].

Burton's linguistic talents extended beyond Arabic to include Gujarati, Punjabi, Marathi, Persian, Turkish, and many others[15]. He was also a prolific translator, bringing works like the Arabian Nights and the Kama Sutra to English-speaking audiences[14]. His ability to learn local languages quickly made him an exceptional ethnographer and cultural observer[16].

7. Emil Krebs (1867-1930)

German diplomat Emil Krebs mastered an impressive 68 languages and maintained a private library containing works in 111 languages[17]. His linguistic abilities were so exceptional that the American Library of Congress acquired his entire collection in 1932, with some rare manuscripts from the Chinese Imperial Court housed separately due to their extraordinary value[17].

Krebs served as chief interpreter for the German Imperial Legation in Beijing, where he became a renowned authority on Chinese, Mongolian, Manchurian, Tibetan, Japanese, and Korean languages[17]. His colleagues at the German Foreign Ministry noted that "Krebs replaces 30 foreign service employees for us," highlighting his incredible productivity as a translator and interpreter[17]. What made Krebs particularly remarkable was his method of using languages he already knew as "bridge languages" to learn new ones[17].

8. Kató Lomb (1909-2003)

Hungarian interpreter and translator Kató Lomb was one of the world's first simultaneous interpreters and achieved fluency in 16 languages[18][19]. Originally trained in chemistry and physics, Lomb discovered her extraordinary aptitude for languages and became a self-taught polyglot[19]. She could interpret fluently in nine or ten languages, with four of them requiring no preparation[19].

Lomb's approach to language learning was largely autodidactic, and she documented her methods in several influential books about language acquisition[19]. Her professional career took her to 40 countries across five continents, where she put her linguistic skills to practical use[19]. She was particularly notable for her ability to simultaneously translate Russian, German, English, and French[18].

9. Cleopatra VII (69-30 BC)

The legendary Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra VII, spoke at least nine languages according to the historian Plutarch[8][20]. Her linguistic repertoire included her native Greek, plus Egyptian, Hebrew, Troglodyte, and the languages of the Ethiopians, Syrians, Armenians, Medes, and Parthians[8][20]. Some historians believe she may have also spoken Arabic[20].

What made Cleopatra's polyglot abilities particularly significant was how she used them for political advantage[20]. She was reportedly the first Ptolemaic ruler to actually learn Egyptian, which helped her connect with her subjects[18]. Her language skills were crucial to her diplomatic relationships with both Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, and she rarely needed interpreters for state business[18].

10. Queen Elizabeth I (1533-1603)

The legendary Virgin Queen of England was fluent in at least eight languages: English, Welsh, French, Spanish, Italian, Latin, Greek, and some German[8][21]. Her linguistic education was part of her comprehensive royal training, but she demonstrated exceptional aptitude that went beyond mere courtly accomplishment[21].

Elizabeth's polyglot abilities served her well in international diplomacy, allowing her to communicate directly with foreign ambassadors and dignitaries[21]. Her linguistic skills were not just ceremonial; she used them strategically in her diplomatic correspondence and negotiations[8]. This intellectual prowess contributed to her reputation as one of England's most capable and respected monarchs[21].

What Made These Historical Polyglots Extraordinary?

These ten remarkable individuals shared several common characteristics that enabled their extraordinary linguistic achievements:

• Exceptional Memory: Nearly all possessed what can only be described as extraordinary memory capabilities, allowing them to retain vast amounts of linguistic information[1][7].
• Cultural Immersion: Many learned languages through direct contact with native speakers, whether through travel, military service, or diplomatic work[2][15].
• Practical Application: They used their languages for real purposes - governance, exploration, scholarship, or professional work - rather than merely as academic exercises[14][13].
• Systematic Approach: Most developed methodical approaches to language learning, often using languages they already knew to learn new ones[17][13].
• Lifelong Learning: These polyglots continued acquiring new languages throughout their lives, demonstrating that language learning never truly ends[19][13].

The Legacy of History's Greatest Polyglots

The achievements of these historical polyglots continue to inspire modern language learners and researchers. Their stories demonstrate that extraordinary linguistic ability, while rare, is achievable through dedication, systematic study, and practical application[6][19]. From Mezzofanti's perfect memory to Burton's adventurous spirit, each of these figures offers unique insights into the possibilities of human linguistic potential[1][14].

Their collective legacy reminds us that language learning is not just about communication—it's about understanding cultures, advancing knowledge, and building bridges between peoples[9][11]. In our interconnected world, their examples continue to show us the transformative power of multilingualism and the remarkable capacity of the human mind to master the complexities of language[20][18].