BETA
Chapter 1
Bizarre demises of ancient rulers and thinkers
Chapter 2
Royal misfortunes and banquet blunders
Chapter 3
Dangerous inventions and artistic accidents
Ch 2 · Royal misfortunes and banquet blunders
schopenhauer Swipe to stop the bleeding to discover how a wedding feast ended Attila's empire.
Quiz
As part of a historical trivia project on strange deaths, the chapter 'Royal misfortunes and banquet blunders' highlights King Adolf Frederick of Sweden. Which traditional Scandinavian dessert is the king famous for overindulging in—eating 14 servings of it—right before his sudden death in 1771?
schopenhauer After marrying Ildico, the ruler passed out drunk and suffocated in his sleep from a sudden, severe nosebleed.
Quiz
What nickname did Christian writers give to Attila the Hun due to his destructive military campaigns?
Quiz
In which modern European country was the heart of Attila the Hun's empire located?
schopenhauer His final Shrove Tuesday feast mixed lobster, caviar, sauerkraut, champagne, and sweet pastries.
Quiz
Which traditional Swedish sweet bun did King Adolf Frederick eat fourteen servings of before his death?
Fun Fact
Royal bad luck: King Bela I of Hungary died in 1063 when his massive wooden throne collapsed beneath him, causing fatal injuries.
Quiz
What sport was King Charles VIII on his way to watch when he struck his head on the low doorway?
Quiz
What type of medical condition most likely caused Charles VIII's delayed collapse and death after the head injury?
Glossary
etiquette (noun)
The customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular group. In 1601, astronomer Tycho Brahe died from a bladder infection after refusing to leave a royal feast.
The customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular group. In 1601, astronomer Tycho Brahe died from a bladder infection after refusing to leave a royal feast.
Quiz
The fall of Baghdad in 1258 marked the tragic end of which major Islamic dynasty?
Quiz
Which famous Mongol leader, a grandson of Genghis Khan, ordered the execution of Caliph Al-Musta'sim?