They Wooed, They Ghosted, They Conquered: History’s 15 Worst Romantics

Throughout history, numerous individuals have captivated hearts with their charm and allure, only to leave a trail of heartbreak in their wake. From emperors and poets to scientists and artists, these figures have engaged in passionate affairs that often led to scandal, tragedy, or profound consequences. This journey across centuries and cultures delves into the lives of some of history’s most infamous romantics, exploring their legendary escapades and the repercussions of their romantic misadventures.

1. Henry VIII

King Henry VIII’s quest for a male heir led him through six marriages, each ending in annulment, execution, or death. His relentless pursuit of love and succession often resulted in heartbreak and political upheaval. He was one of the most notorious husbands in history. For a detailed account of his tumultuous love life, refer to this BBC History profile.

2. Giacomo Casanova

Giacomo Casanova’s name is synonymous with seduction and abandonment. The 18th-century Italian adventurer charmed his way through Europe, amassing lovers and then disappearing as quickly as he arrived. His detailed memoirs reveal countless affairs, none very enduring. Fascinating stories can be found in Encyclopedia Britannica’s entry.

3. Lord Byron

The quintessential Byronic hero, Lord Byron wooed and ruined hearts across England and Europe. His fleeting passions inspired poetry but devastated lovers, earning him a scandalous reputation for seducing and abandoning women and men alike. Byron’s tumultuous affairs are legend, as detailed in the Poetry Foundation’s biography.

4. Cleopatra

Cleopatra’s relationships with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony were pivotal in her quest to maintain Egypt’s independence and her own power. Her union with Caesar produced a son, Caesarion, whom she hoped would inherit both Egypt and Rome. After Caesar’s assassination, Cleopatra aligned with Antony, leading to the birth of twins and further political consolidation. However, these alliances ultimately led to conflict with Rome, culminating in the Battle of Actium and the downfall of both Antony and Cleopatra. For a detailed exploration of her complex relationships, see this Smithsonian Magazine article.

5. James VI and I

King James VI & I had a penchant for enthusiastic courtship followed by abrupt emotional withdrawal, leaving a series of disillusioned male favorites. His elaborate gifts and affections rarely translated into lasting connections. The National Archives explores James’s relationships in this feature: King James I.

6. Catherine the Great

Empress Catherine II of Russia, known as Catherine the Great, was renowned for her numerous romantic relationships, which often served both personal and political purposes. Her most significant affair was with Grigory Potemkin, a military leader who became her de facto consort and co-ruler. Despite the end of their romantic involvement, Potemkin continued to hold substantial influence in Russian politics until his death in 1791. For a comprehensive exploration of her complex love life, refer to this History.com article.

7. Charles II of England

King Charles II’s reign was marked by numerous mistresses and fleeting affections. His compulsive flirtations left a line of lovers hoping for royal favor, only to be forgotten when new faces captured his attention. Notable among his mistresses were Barbara Villiers, Lady Castlemaine, who bore him five children, and Nell Gwyn, an actress who rose from humble beginnings to become one of his most beloved companions. For more insights into his romantic escapades, refer to this Historic Royal Palaces article.

8. Mata Hari

Mata Hari, born Margaretha Geertruida Zelle in 1876, was a Dutch dancer and courtesan who became synonymous with espionage during World War I. She captivated audiences across Europe with her exotic performances, often engaging in relationships with high-ranking military officers. In 1917, she was arrested by French authorities on charges of spying for Germany and was executed by firing squad on October 15, 1917. The extent of her espionage activities remains uncertain, and her guilt is widely contested. For a detailed exploration of her life and the controversies surrounding her trial and execution, refer to this National Geographic article.

9. Bonnie Parker

Bonnie Parker’s life was marked by a series of tumultuous relationships, most notably with Clyde Barrow. Their partnership led to a notorious crime spree during the Great Depression, involving bank robberies and shootouts with law enforcement. Their story has been romanticized in popular culture, but the reality was far more tragic. For a detailed account of her life and criminal activities, refer to this Biography.com article.

10. Peter the Great

Peter the Great’s romantic escapades in Russia involved a stream of lovers and strategic abandonments. He frequently used and discarded partners in pursuit of power and reforms, leaving emotional wreckage behind. The fascinating accounts of his relationships are documented by The Met’s Heilbrunn Timeline (metmuseum.org).

11. Wallis Simpson

Wallis Simpson, an American socialite, became the center of a monumental royal scandal when she captivated Edward VIII, leading him to abdicate the British throne in 1936. Their union was fraught with complexities, including Simpson’s previous marriages and divorces, which were controversial at the time. Their relationship faced numerous challenges, including public scrutiny and political tensions. For a comprehensive account of her life and the intricacies of her relationship with Edward VIII, refer to this BBC article.

12. Casimir Pulaski

Casimir Pulaski, a Polish nobleman and military commander, is celebrated for his pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War. His romantic life remains largely undocumented, with no known records of significant relationships or romantic entanglements. This absence of personal romantic history has led some historians to focus on his military achievements and contributions to the revolution. For a detailed exploration of his life and legacy, refer to this Smithsonian Magazine profile.

13. Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor, a legendary actress, was renowned for her fiery romances and even more fiery breakups. She married eight times—twice to Richard Burton. Known as much for her love affairs as for her film roles, she exemplified the glamorous but tumultuous love life of Hollywood’s golden age. For a comprehensive overview of her marriages, refer to this Biography.com article.

14. Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte’s relationship with Joséphine de Beauharnais was marked by intense passion and strategic decisions. Their marriage in 1796 was initially filled with fervent love letters from Napoleon, but both partners engaged in extramarital affairs. The couple’s inability to produce an heir led Napoleon to seek a divorce in 1809, allowing him to marry Marie-Louise of Austria. Despite the divorce, Napoleon continued to care for Joséphine, who passed away in 1814. For a detailed account of their tumultuous relationship, refer to this History.com article.

15. Alma Mahler

Alma Mahler, an Austrian composer and muse, was renowned for her passionate and often tumultuous relationships with prominent figures of early 20th-century Europe. After the death of her husband, composer Gustav Mahler, she engaged in a fervent affair with painter Oskar Kokoschka, which inspired his renowned painting, “The Bride of the Wind.” Their intense relationship ended in 1914, leading Alma to marry architect Walter Gropius in 1915. Following their divorce in 1920, she married writer Franz Werfel in 1929. Alma’s love life was marked by rapid and intense affairs, leaving a trail of emotional upheaval among her partners. For a comprehensive examination of her impact, refer to this New Yorker article.

Conclusion

Throughout history, renowned figures have left legacies of both achievement and heartbreak. Their romantic entanglements often intertwined with ambition, desire, and political strategy, leading to personal and public turmoil. These stories underscore that the complexities of love and its consequences are timeless, affecting even the most influential individuals.