13. Grigori Rasputin
Grigori Rasputin, a Siberian mystic, gained significant influence over Russia’s royal family in the early 20th century. He was introduced to Tsar Nicholas II and his wife, Alexandra, in 1905, and his ability to alleviate the suffering of their hemophiliac son, Alexei, led to his close association with the family. Rasputin’s presence at court was controversial; he was accused of exerting undue political influence and was rumored to be having an affair with the tsarina. His assassination in December 1916 remains infamous, with various accounts of his death contributing to his enduring legend (britannica.com).
