History is written by the winners.

In 1919, during the short-lived Hungarian Soviet Republic, its leader Bela Kun would probably top the list of greatest Hungarians ever.

Soon the republic fell, and Hungary reverted to a kingdom. Kun was sent into exile, and his exploits stopped being lauded.

In 1949, the communists took over to create the People's Republic of Hungary. Kun was back to being a hero... not that he cared. He spent his exile in the Soviet Union, until 1938, when Stalin decided to get rid of him. But back in Hungary? Back to being on top. (In textbooks, at least. Clearly, your average Hungarian was not a fan of the communist rule.)

Of course, since 1989, communist Hungary is no more, and once again Kun's star has fallen. That whole Red Terror he commanded certainly put a damper on things.

So, unless the communists somehow get back to power (which seems rather doubtful), no list of greatest Hungarians for Kun.

Greatest Hungarian Jews?