The term is coined after Niccolò Machiavelli who did everything in his power in order to reach his goals. He created a sort of view that caused turmoil at the various places that he visited. He started in Italy then he started to infect France with his views. People believed him because he was manipulative in a very subtle type of way.
This is a trait that modern-day Machiavellians share. You may not know that you are already being manipulated into something that you are not too keen on doing. Take note that those who have this condition are also considered to be unemotional.