History's most influential illegitimate children
Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804) -
One of the Founding Fathers of the US, Alexander Hamilton was born out of wedlock in Charlestown in the island of Nevis.
Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804) -
He's generally regarded as an intellectually brilliant politician, and financier. Hamilton also served as the first US secretary of the treasury from 1789 to 1795.
Jean de Dunois (1402-1468) -
French nobleman Jean d'Orléans, Count of Dunois was pretty important during the Hundred Years' War, for which he participated in military campaigns with Joan of Arc.
Jean de Dunois (1402-1468) -
He was the cousin of the famed Dauphin Charles, later Charles VII. His father was Louis I, Duke of Orléans, aka son of King Charles V of France.
Caterina Sforza (1463-1509) -
One of the illegitimate children of Galeazzo Maria Sforza and his mistress Lucrezia Landriani, Caterina was an important Italian noblewoman.
Caterina Sforza (1463-1509) -
Her status and image was shaped by the masculine and feminine roles she took on as a ruler. She also participated in cultural activities during the Renaissance.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) -
One of the greatest artists of all time, Leonardo da Vinci was born out of wedlock to a successful notary and a lower-class woman.
Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) -
He lived with his mom until the age of five, when she was married off. Then da Vinci went on to live with his father and his stepmother.
John of Austria (1547-1578) - John of Austria was the secret love child of Emperor Charles V, king of Spain and Holy Roman Emperor.
John of Austria (1547-1578) - John of Austria became an admiral who served his half brother, King Philip II of Spain. Most famously, John defeated the Ottoman navy at the Battle of Lepanto in 1571.