The Costliest Affairs in History

By Bruce Watson
Daily Finance

Gen. David Petraeus has long been a controversial, larger-than-life figure, but the recent revelation of his affair with his biographer has transformed his name into a household word -- and into a cautionary tale. As the former head of the CIA watches a promising political future evaporate around him, it's clear that he has only begun to face the consequences of his tryst with Paula Broadwell.

But in the grand history of marital infidelity, Petraeus barely warrants a footnote. His affair, while personally and professionally costly, will not result in the end of a political dynasty, the loss of a crown, or a payout of billions of dollars. In the hopes of getting a little more perspective on the subject, we've done some research into history's most expensive affairs. So if you're interested in exploring just how much a little infidelity can cost, click through the (fool's) gallery below.

SLIDESHOW: WHAT WERE THE COSTLIEST AFFAIRS EVER?