When we think of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), there are certain ones that spring immediately to mind (think chlamydia and gonorrhea). Our minds might not immediately go to syphilis, an STI that was rife in centuries gone by. Often considered a disease of the past, syphilis is still around today, but it is thankfully far less common.
Curiously, although there is not always conclusive evidence, historians are fairly certain that there are a number of famous personalities from history who contracted this nasty infection. Intrigued? Check out this gallery to find out which famous figures allegedly suffered from syphilis.