Chapter 1
The fragile mind on the throne
Chapter 2
Playing pretend in the palace
Chapter 3
Obsessive builders and magic seekers
Chapter 4
The self-declared monarchs
Ch 2 · Playing pretend in the palace
Glossary
toy soldier (noun)
A miniature figure of a soldier used as a plaything. In 1755, Grand Duke Peter of Russia court-martialed a rat that chewed his toy soldiers.
A miniature figure of a soldier used as a plaything. In 1755, Grand Duke Peter of Russia court-martialed a rat that chewed his toy soldiers.
Fun Fact
Royal pickpockets: King Farouk of Egypt once stole a pocket watch from Winston Churchill during a high-stakes World War II dinner.
Quiz
What was the name of the private palace built by the Zhengde Emperor where he kept exotic animals and lived away from his official court?
Quiz
What was the name of the luxurious animal fur that Sultan Ibrahim I was so obsessed with that he taxed his subjects for it?
Quiz
How did Elagabalus's brief and chaotic four-year reign as Roman Emperor come to an end in 222 AD?
Quiz
How did the Zhengde Emperor of China tragically contract the illness that led to his death at age 29?
Quiz
Which Roman deity did the emperor Elagabalus attempt to install at the head of the Roman pantheon, replacing Jupiter?
Quiz
Why did Ottoman princes like Ibrahim I spend their lives locked in the 'Kafes' before ascending the throne?
Quiz
How did King Farouk handle a recurring nightmare about being chased by wild lions?