History is full of lovers of the rich and powerful. Some were content to stay in the background. But, others had grander ambitions. Many of the lovers of rulers and royalty used their positions to line their own pockets and seek advancement. These women — and men — used their sexual allure to acquire wealth and status. Many helped elevate their friends or themselves into positions of power. Some even ascended through ennoblement or marriage.
For many, the gamble paid off. These lovers achieved political and cultural influence, titles and wealth. Some even ascended the throne themselves or founded royal dynasties. For others, the achievement was survival. However, for every lover who succeeded, some lost out. Some lost their wealth and influence. Others, their lives. Here are thirty-five of the most successful — and not so successful — lovers in history.
35. King David tried to cast Bathsheba off when she became pregnant. But she went on to become his wife — and the mother of one of the Bible’s most famous Kings
According to Samuel II, King David became smitten with Bathsheba, when he spied her bathing from his palace roof. Undeterred by the fact Bathsheba was married to Uriah the Hittite, the King began an affair with her. Then she became pregnant. David initially tried to distance himself from Bathsheba, attempting to pass the child off as her husband’s. He recalled Uriah from the army, hoping he would sleep with his wife. But Uriah refused because of his warrior’s code of abstaining from sex before battle. So, David had Uriah killed and married Bathsheba. Although this first child died, the canny Bathsheba maneuvered her subsequent son to supplant David’s elder sons to become King Solomon.