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Bass Reeves: Lawman, gunslinger, trail-blazer. From the shackles of slavery to the US Marshals Service, Reeves lived a life of conflict, excitement, and heartbreak. Many claim this infamous lawman's exploits were the inspiration behind the Lone Ranger. This is one gunslinger who won’t soon be forgotten, so dive in and discover the action-packed life of Bass Reeves.

As the beloved child of the reigning Emperor, Commodus was born with the world at his feet. Unfortunately, he also had a serious case of “only son” syndrome. While he started out as a promising ruler, his reign devolved into scandal, tragedy, and brutal acts of violence—many of them immortalized in the movie Gladiator.

The name Borgia is synonymous in history with treachery, hedonism, and scandal. Along with the equally infamous Medicis, they were one of the most powerful families in Renaissance Italy. From lusty popes to poison plots, the members of House Borgia made Game of Thrones look like child's play.

Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll was a Scottish nobleman who spent his life in pursuit of money. Whether he was fishing for a rich wife or Spanish doubloons, Campbell was always on the lookout for a payday. But, instead of finding his riches, this Scottish peer only managed to find a cupboard full of scandals. Read these egregious facts about Ian Campbell, 11th Duke of Argyll.

William the Conqueror is one of the most infamous kings in the history of England, yet few people know this legendary figure's dark history. Why was his birth so scandalous? Why did he invade England in the first place? What horrible act caused one writer to say, "I have often praised William...but I can say nothing good about this brutal slaughter. God will punish him?" Let's find out.

From an early point in her life, Inga Arvad consistently found herself the subject of contention, which she would later regret. Most of the professional and personal ventures she explored would end up damaged by a decision she made early in her career. As a result, there was hardly a time when she wasn’t being watched—even from the shadows.

Lady Arbella Stuart had a life full of secrets, ambition, and rebellion. The once-likely successor to Queen Elizabeth I, her rare pedigree was a curse, not a blessing—and led her right into scandal and an infamously tragic end.

In the Gilded Age, Caroline Astor ruled New York. Born Caroline Schermerhorn, she was already a member of one of the oldest families in the metropolis before she married into the obscenely wealthy Astor family. Soon enough her lavish parties, rigid etiquette, and clique of mean-girl socialites had turned Caroline into the gatekeeper of the New York Elite. And she didn’t become the Mrs. Astor by playing nice.

There have been some infamous rulers in history, but no one was more despicable than King Louis XI of France. Unfortunately for Louis’ many enemies, no one was smarter, either. He started out as a teenage terror of a prince, but his reign of horror only got worse from there. Watch your back: These are cunning facts about King Louis XI.

Chang and Eng Bunker led extraordinary lives. Born as conjoined twins, they lived in poverty in Siam before coming to the West to be showcased as “freaks.” And even though they ultimately found success as the famous “Siamese Twins,” it was never easy.

Most people know Nero as the Mad Emperor of Rome—but he was so much more unhinged than most people even realize. From his numerous chaotic weddings (in one of which he was the bride) to his ruthless betrayals to his pathetic and humiliating end, Nero may just have been one of the most ridiculous and disturbing people to ever wield power in history.

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was the 1990s fashion icon who married into one of America’s most beloved (and bedeviled) families when she tied the knot with John F Kennedy Jr. Tragically, she couldn’t escape the Kennedy family curse. She went from being the coolest girl in her circle to a high-society recluse—and her downfall was absolutely devastating.