#6: Lucrezia Borgia
Lucrezia Borgia became the poisonous seductress of Renaissance legend, largely because enemies projected the crimes of her father and brother onto her. Evidence that she personally murdered rivals is thin. Married repeatedly for dynastic advantage, she was used as a political instrument before building a court at Ferrara. There, she managed affairs, supported writers and artists, and earned respect as duchess. Her reputation shows how scandal attaches easily to women standing near powerful, violent men.
