6. Czar Nicholas II and Alexandra Federovna …

When: late 1800’s – early 1900’s

Where: Russia

What’s So Special about Their Love: Nicholas, the future Czar of Russia, fell in love with the lovely German princess Alexandra. Against the wishes of both families, they were determined to be together, and were well-known for their public displays of affection! When the Bolsheviks took the Russian royal family captive, Alexandra and Nicholas were executed.  Together.

7. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor …

When: 1960’s

Where: United States

What’s So Special about Their Love: Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor starred together in many movies, including the story of Mark Antony and Cleopatra! Their chemistry and sexual attraction to each other could not be contained, even though they were both married to other people when their love story began.

They married, but their tumultuous relationship burned out quickly, and they divorced… only to remarry each other 16 months later in Africa!

45 Sweetest Romantic Ways to Say “I Love You” …

8. Lord Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton …

When: late 1700’s

Where: England

What’s So Special about Their Love: Emma is a famous beauty who was a muse to artist George Romney – her loveliness is featured in many of his paintings. Emma was married to Sir William Hamilton, while Lord Nelson was married to the Lady Fanny Nelson. When they met, the gorgeous Emma was so taken with Lord Nelson that she fainted against him, calling out, “Oh, God, is this possible?!” What a meeting! They lived together with her husband for several years in an audacious affair that captivated London.

Learn More: about Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton’s love…

9. Tristan and Isolde …

When: 1200’s AD

Where: Ireland

What’s So Special about Their Love: Tristan falls in love with his beloved uncle King Mark’s wife, Isolde. Involved in a bitter love triangle where all parties have love and respect for the other, Tristan and Isolde cannot deny their passion for each other and ultimately begin an adulterous affair. When King Mark finds out, he flies into a rage and kills his nephew Tristan with a poisoned sword. When Isolde learns of his death and sees his corpse, she dies of grief and falls over upon him.

Learn More: watch a great romantic movie called Tristan and Isolde…

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10. Pyramus and Thisbe …

When: 331 BC

Where: Babylonia

What’s So Special about Their Love: Pyramus was the most gorgeous man and Thisbe the most beautiful maiden in Babylonia. Neighbors and childhood friends, they were forbidden to marry by their parents. One night, they planned to meet and run away together, but a mountain lion attacked Thisbe. She escaped, but the mountain lion took her veil.

When Pyramus saw her bloodied veil in the mountain loin’s mouth, he believed she’d been killed, and so he stabbed himself with his sword. When Thisbe saw Pyramus dead, she picked up his sword and killed herself also. What star-crossed lovers!

11. Prince Khurram and Mumtaz Mahal Begum …

When: 1600 AD

Where: India

What’s So Special about Their Love: Prince Khurrum (who later became Shah Jahan) fell passionately in love with the beautiful, graceful Arjumand Banu Begum (who he later renamed Mumtaz Mahal) when she was only fourteen. Although he had two other wives, Mumtaz Mahal was the love of his life. They traveled everywhere together, and when she died in childbirth delivering their fourteenth child, Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal be built in her honor.

12. Prince Saleem and Anarkali …

When: 1615 AD

Where: Lahore

What’s So Special about Their Love: Prince Saleem, son of Mughal Emperor Akbar, fell in love with the lovely slave girl Anarkali. Akbar and his wife Jodha were shamed by their son’s love for a common servant, and they forbid him to see her. Instead, Prince Saleem declared war on his father.

After a battle, Akbar defeated his son and demanded that Saleem either surrender Anarkali or be killed. Prince Saleem chose death, but Anarkali could not see her love killed – instead, she gave her up life in exchange for one night with Prince Saleem. After their one night together, Akbar had her buried alive in a brick tomb that still stands today.

10 Romantic Movies to Cry over This Valentine’s …

Do you have a romance that could rival one of history’s best… or did I leave off your favorite tale? Let me know!