Throughout history, men and women have formed secret groups, gathering behind closed doors in pursuit of shared ideals. They might have used unexpected methods to get what they wanted. Some attempted magic, others turned to violence, and many, in fact, got caught and persecuted for the things they did. Yet still, secret societies continue to meet in private today — perhaps there’s even one in your hometown.

Just like us ordinary Joes, major historical figures have had people whom they count as close friends, too. Mates, best buds, close acquaintances: whatever you want to call them. Our past is littered with tales of close friendships that turned sour — and sometimes ended in tragedy. These particular 20 friendships of famous figures ranging from Julius Caesar to Thomas Jefferson dissolved in ugly fashion, and in ways that helped to change the course of global history.

Before they were the famous landmarks they are today, the Lincoln Memorial, the Empire State Building, and the U.S. Capitol were little more than ideas in the minds of their designers. Then they were brought to life thanks to the immense efforts of countless laborers, at times risking their lives in the process. The following stunning photographs capture the world’s most iconic structures whilst they were being built, showing them in a fascinating new light.

In our contemporary world, dominated as it is by cutting-edge technology, it can be easy to forget that some of our most cherished items actually have their roots in a bygone era. Maybe it’s time to take a step back and to acknowledge the ingenious inventions of the past? From electric cars to emojis, there are plenty of things that have been enhancing human lives for way longer than we thought!