King James I was one of the most important monarchs of early modern England. He was also the target of one of the most famous assassination attempts in history. Remember, remember the 5th of November!

Sultan Mehmed II transformed the Ottoman Empire into a superpower. But his reign was very nearly cut short by Dracula. No, really. Happy Halloween!

In 1776, George Washington was Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army, fighting an uphill battle for independence from Great Britain. All the while, there was a plot being formed against his life that could have ended the revolution before it began.

Grigori Rasputin survived his first assassination attempt in 1914. But would he be able to survive another? Part 2 of 2. 

Grigori Rasputin got away with hurting a lot of people throughout his life, partly thanks to the protection he got from the Tsar and Tsarina of Russia. But there were places where even the emperor and empress could not protect him. Part 1 of 2.

Bob Marley was one of the most influential musicians of the twentieth century, and a voice for change all around the world.  But the iconic reggae star very nearly became a victim of the dangerous game of politics in 1970s Jamaica.

Simón Bolívar returned from exile to win the wars for independence in South America. But even with the revolution won and the Spanish gone, his life was still in danger. Part 2 of 2.

Simón Bolívar was instrumental in the creation of South America as we know it. But before El Libertador had the chance to lead the continent to independence, he was almost killed in his sleep. Part 1 of 2.

The Medici were among the wealthiest and most powerful families in Europe during the Renaissance. For centuries, they were the oligarchs of the Republic of Florence and major patrons of the arts and sciences. In 1478, their reign very nearly came to a quick and bloody end.

Franklin Roosevelt is usually considered one of the greatest American presidents, leading the United States through one of the most tumultuous times of its history. But had one assassin had his way, FDR would not have lived to see the White House.