Favorites – the 'dark horses' of Russian history. From Malyuta Skuratov to Lavrenty Beria. The 10 most influential close associates of Russian rulers

Maxim Batmanov, author of the channel about domestic history, the largest on the Zen platform, presents his view on famous historical figures. Favorites. The darlings of kings, the lovers of empresses, the trusted confidants of emperors and leaders. Bloody companions... Skuratov and Beria. Underestimated reformers Arakcheev and Golitsyn. Secret husbands Potemkin and Razumovsky. Ambitious men Nikon and Biron. Royal friends Menshikov and Rasputin. They unleashed wars, encouraged rulers to reform, entered into conflicts with the entire royal court, became wealthy and refused gifts. Complicated stories of rise, tragic destinies, falls from the highest heights, and the secret lives of those who lived between the block and the throne, who managed to leave a memory in the life of an entire country.