10 Famous Rulers and Their Lovers
The strong emotion is love. Couples in love have sparked wars and conflict throughout history, produced masterpieces of literature, music, and sculpture, and captured the public's hearts with the strength of their ties. These love affairs have stood as markers of history, from the allure of Cleopatra to the magnetism of the Kennedys. Prepare to swoon over these centuries-old love stories. Posted On November 5th, 2020
Napolean and Josephine
There was a romantic, whirlwind romance between Napoleon Bonaparte and his mistress-turned-wife Josephine, ignited by desire and ruined by infidelity. Cougar Josephine, who came from a rich Creole family and had been involved in relations with many influential men, was drawn to the influence and fortune of the French general, and decided to become his mistress despite their age difference of six years and his uncouth manner.
Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal
The marble mausoleum was commissioned by Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, to commemorate the death of his wife after giving birth to the 14th child of the royal couple. "The Shah and his companion, to whom he gave the name" Mumtaz Mahal, "meaning" the palace diamond, "met as pre-teens when the future Emperor saw the stunning young girl in the Meena Bazaar selling silk and glass beads. While Mumtaz Mahal would become one of several of the wives of Shah Jahan, these two were a true match of love: she became the trusted counsellor of her husband, finally wielding influence in her own right; plus, she begged the Shah not to have children with his other wives, an order heeded by the infatuated Emperor. While Mumtaz Mahal died sadly, the mausoleum of Shah Jahan gave us a remarkable testimony to future generations to his profound love for his favourite wife.
Alexander and Hephaiston
Initially there was not a consensus among historians regarding Alexander and Hephaistion. But as evidence emerged a consensus developed that they were indeed lovers. In the letters from Alexander, Hephaestion alone was permitted to know the codes. Alexander suffered a complete emotional breakdown when he died in Ecbatana, refusing for days to eat or drink and dying soon after. In the key sources, there are multiple hints like this sprinkled around. One particular letter by Alexander’s minister accused the king of being ruled by “Hephaestion's Thighs” . This circumstantial evidence has been found sufficiently convincing by some scholars to believe Hephaestion was actually the lover of Alexander.
Mark Antony and Cleopatra
Perhaps the best-known tragic couple in the history is Mark Antony and Cleopatra. The doomed pair are better remembered for their double suicide, a perennial Halloween costume favourite: Cleopatra, the heiress and queen of a collapsing empire, likely off'd herself by poisonous snakebite, to prevent giving up her throne to the conquering forces of Octavian. Mark Antony, the (married) man who seduced and bore twins to Cleopatra, stabbed himself upon hearing of the death of Cleopatra.
King Arthur, Guinevere and Lancelot
For the wife / best friend adultery scandal arc, the Lancelot / Guinevere / Arthur love triangle is the ultimate blueprint. Sir Lancelot was the most faithful servant and confidant of King Arthur, according to Arthurian Mythology (a thick, expansive, often-reimagined canon; you actually know it from Round Table / Camelot / Morgan LeFay fame). But not even Sir Lancelot, the literal knight in shining armour, was perfect: he had a severe crush on the ethereal wife of King Arthur, Guinevere, who had regained the devotion of the knight by calling him her champion.
Charles Brandon and Mary Trudon
Henry VIII 's best friend was Charles Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk. At the Battle of Bosworth Field, Brandon 's father was Henry VII's standard-bearer and died defending the future king. ... But when Brandon secretly married Henry 's favourite sister, the lovely Princess Mary Tudor, their relationship was sorely tested.
Etienne de Castel and Christine de Pizan
About the age of 15, de Pisan married a member of the French court, Etienne du Castel. He was highly respectful of her interest in literature and other pursuits of intelligence. Prior to his unfortunate death in 1389, the couple had three children together. After contracting the bubonic plague, he died, according to some sources.
Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville
Elizabeth Woodville, five years older than her royal prince, was an unexpected queen. The young king was enthralled by her legendary blonde beauty to the point that he married her in spite of tradition, in spite of suggestion, or even in spite of himself. Although none could blame her personal charms, most of Edward's advisors found Elizabeth an inappropriate alternative for an English queen. She was a widow, a mother, born and married to the families of the Lancastrians, the daughter of a mere knight, a man whom Edward had formerly disdained. She carried no dowry or foreign ties, no land or a guarantee of diplomatic assistance.
