De Grootste Belg
This is because Belgium only gained its independence in 1830, while numerous historical individuals from, for example, the Spanish Netherlands, are considered to be "Belgians".
An initial list of 111 names (100 decided by a panel, 11 added by the public after a preliminary poll) was set online.
The ten finalists were each presented on Canvas with a documentary, their nomination defended by famous Flemish people.
[4] On 1 December 2005, Pater Damiaan was announced as the winner of the "De Grootste Belg" poll, beating Paul Janssen and Eddy Merckx.
13) Jan Decleir, (1946–) theatre, TV and film actor (Mira, Daens, Character, The Memory of a Killer).
15) Victor Horta, (1861–1947) architect and designer (Hôtel Tassel, Brussels-Central railway station, Centre for Fine Arts, Brussels).
19) Guido Gezelle, (1830–1899) poet (Het Schrijverke, Dien Avond en die Rooze).
21) Charles V of Spain, (1500–1558) Spanish king (1517–1556) and Holy Roman Emperor (1519–1558), who was born in Ghent.
22) Louis Paul Boon, (1912–1979) novelist (De Kapellekensbaan, Priester Daens, Mieke Maaike's Obscene Jeugd).
27) Jan van Eyck, painter (Ghent Altarpiece, The Arnolfini Portrait).
29) Willy Vandersteen, (1913–1990) comics artist (Suske en Wiske, De Rode Ridder) 30) Hugo Claus, (1929–2008) novelist, poet, playwright and film director (The Sorrow of Belgium).
35) Mark Uytterhoeven, (1957–) TV presenter and sports journalist (Het Huis van Wantrouwen, Morgen Maandag, Alles Kan Beter).
President of the Common Assembly of the European Coal and Steel Community (1952–1954).
Founder of the women's right movement Ligue belge du droit des femmes.
Described the Decimal system for fractions and did mathematical groundwork for the construction of fortifications.
Was the first to explain the tides using the attraction of the moon, discovered the hydrostatic paradox and proved the inclined plane.
Did research on Alzheimer dementia, bipolar mental disorders and other neurological diseases.
48) Marc Sleen, (1922–2016) comics artist (The Adventures of Nero, Piet Fluwijn en Bolleke, De Lustige Kapoentjes).
49) Willem Elsschot, (1882–1960) novelist and poet (Het Huwelijk, Villa des Roses, Lijmen/Het Been and Kaas).
50) Paul Van Ostaijen, (1896–1928) poet (Boem Paukeslag!, Melopee).
Launched the first systematic courses of secondary female education (Cours d'Éducation pour jeunes filles).
His high vote was a result of many people, including himself and his family under a different name, trying to get him into this list.
72) Henry Van de Velde, (1863–1957) architect (Bloemenwerf, Boekentoren).
75) Ingrid Berghmans (1961) judoka 76) Orlandus Lassus, (1530–1594) composer (Lagrime di San Pietro, Prophetiae Sibyllarum).
81) Cyriel Buysse, (1859–1932) novelist and playwright (Het gezin van Paemel).
84) Tom Lanoye, (1958–) novelist (Alles Moet Weg, Kartonnen Dozen, Het Goddelijke Monster).
93) Constant Vanden Stock, (1914–2008) association football player and trainer.
98) Maurice Maeterlinck, (1862–1949) novelist and playwright (The Blue Bird, Pelléas and Mélisande).
Founder of the Collegium Vocale Gent and La Chapelle Royale.
