Mata Hari - Seductress or Scapegoat?

Mata Hari, born Margaretha Zelle in 1876 in the Netherlands, gained fame as an exotic dancer and courtesan in Paris in the early 20th century. Adopting the stage name "Mata Hari," meaning "eye of the day" in Malay, she intrigued audiences with her sensuous performances and fabricated tales of being an Eastern princess. During #worldwarone I, her multiple liaisons and frequent travels drew the attention of French and British intelligence. In 1917, she was arrested in France, accused of spying for Germany, and subsequently executed by firing squad. Although she is often portrayed as a dangerous femme fatale, the extent of her #espionage activities and her guilt or innocence remain topics of debate among historians. #matahari #famouspersons