The Rest Is History 97. Top Ten Mistresses
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Sep 16, 2021 
Join Tom Holland and guest Ali Ansari, a renowned Professor of Iranian Studies, as they dive into the captivating world of history's most influential mistresses. They discuss how these women, often starting from humble beginnings, shaped political landscapes, with figures like Cleopatra and Emma Hamilton taking center stage. The conversation highlights the societal perceptions of these relationships, including Nell Gwynn's rise from orange seller to royal mistress. Ansari illustrates how these powerful women navigated patriarchal structures to leave their mark on history.
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The Nightingale and the King
- Fat'Ali Shah, a 19th-century Persian king, had a thousand concubines.
- A dancing girl, nicknamed "Nightingale", briefly captured his heart and humanized him.
Cleopatra's Political Maneuvering
- Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, became mistress to Julius Caesar and Mark Antony for political power.
- She aimed for dynastic unions, but Caesar's assassination and Antony's defeat thwarted her plans.
Piers Gaveston: The King's Favorite
- Piers Gaveston, Edward II's favorite, was rumored to have a sexual relationship with the king.
- His arrogance and over-promotion angered the aristocracy, leading to his execution in 1312.