That said, here are some examples of historical figures who received the bulk of their education outside of formal schools:
* Many members of Royal Families: Princes and princesses across various times and cultures often received private tutoring at home, tailored to their future roles. This was less homeschooling in the modern sense and more a highly individualized, elite education. Examples could include many of the Tudor monarchs of England (though some also received some formal education).
* Benjamin Franklin: While he attended school briefly, he was largely self-educated, and much of his learning came from reading widely and engaging in apprenticeships. This is a more accurate example of unschooling than homeschooling.
* Leonardo da Vinci: He received some formal instruction but largely relied on self-study and apprenticeships to become the polymath we remember. Similar to Franklin, he is a better example of self-education than homeschooling.
It's crucial to understand the limitations:
* Record-Keeping: Detailed records of the education of many historical figures are incomplete or nonexistent.
* Definition of "Homeschooling": The term encompasses a wide range of educational approaches, making direct comparisons difficult. What constituted "home education" in the 16th century is vastly different from what it means today.
In short, while we can't definitively say many historical figures were "homeschooled" in the modern sense, many received their education primarily at home, though often through diverse methods involving tutors, apprenticeships, and self-directed learning.