Born Margaretha Geertruida “Grietje” Zelle, Mata Hari was a Frisian exotic dancer and courtesan who created a sensational stage show by pretending to be a Javan princess. She was accused of spying during World War I and was executed by firing squad for espionage, though she was probably no more a spy than she was Javan or a princess.

You can read more about her here.