Famous courtesans of all times and peoples... Who are they? In this book, readers will learn about the heartfelt secrets of Julius Caesar's favorite Cleopatra, the love spells of Messalina, whose name became a symbol of debauchery, about the mistress of the great Raphael Fornarina, who, according to some historians, became the cause of the premature death of the genius of the brush. Or the cruel Empress Theodora? After debauched nightly orgies with admirers, she led them to a red-painted door that led... into an abyss studded with sharp knives. The mutilated bodies of the unfortunate young people, who pleased the insatiable beast, were carried away by the sea. One day, Theodora’s only son stepped through this door. The book is full of historical details from different eras, and it partially preserves its original style and manner of presentation. * * *Emperors, kings, generals... They powerfully ruled huge states and numerous armies, but often did not could resist the seductive charms of lovely ladies. All-consuming passion, extraordinary intelligence, and cold reason made these women great favorites of the powers that be. The fates of many thousands of people often depended on their whim. Among the heroines of this book are the loving Cleopatra, the libertine Messalina, the cruel Theodora, the selfish Fornarina, and other bright representatives of the fair sex. The stories of famous courtesans are an entertaining story about the stormy, unique, most often dramatic destinies of temptresses , who always knew their worth, both in Ancient Egypt and Rome, and at the courts of European capitals.