Nine Weird Wacky Historical Deaths of Famous People
by Truth is stranger than fiction.
Georg Wilhelm Richmann
Image via Wikipedia
Georg Wilhelm Richmann was a German physicist and a pioneer in electricity and atmospheric electricity. In 1753 he was electrocuted “while trying to quantify the response of an insulated rod to a nearby storm.” Richmann and an engraver were watching the rod as an electrical storm hit and apparently a ball lightning moved across the apparatus and struck Richmann in the head, killing him instantly while blowing his shoes apart and leaving just a large red spot on the floor where Richmann was. The engraver was knocked out cold and the door of the room was blown off its hinges and the door frame cracked. Georg Wilhelm Richmann is believed to be the first person ever to die from conducting electrical experiments.
Bela I of Hungary
Bela was King of Hungary from 1060-1063. In 1063 he was killed when the canopy over his throne crashed down upon him. To this day no one is quite sure if the canopy collapse was an accident or intentionally planned.
Sigurd the Mighty
Sigurd Eysteinsson was the second Viking Earl of Orkney after leading the Vikings in the conquest of what is now northern Scotland. In 892 Sigurd beheaded one of the native rulers of the land he conquered in Scotland named Maelbrigte. Sigurd then strapped Maelbrigte’s head to his saddle. When riding away one of Maelbrigte’s teeth grazed Sigurd’s leg drawing blood and he died from the ensuing infection.
Henry I of England
Image via Wikipedia
In 1135 while in Normandy to visit his daughter and grandchildren, Henry decided to have lampreys for dinner.
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Post Commentnobert soloria bermosa
On April 4, 2009 at 7:23 am
leaders dying of over-eating-it’s a shame.another interesting piece,thanks,i enjoyed this
Kate Smedley
On April 4, 2009 at 8:16 am
Some unbelievable stuff, where do you find it? Excellent article again. Vatel sounds like an interesting film to watch.
Daisy Peasblossom
On April 4, 2009 at 10:10 am
(EW!) But good writing and very interesting. You did it again, Joe.
Ruby Hawk
On April 4, 2009 at 5:39 pm
Interesting ways to die, but gosh it gets gruesome.
James DeVere
On April 5, 2009 at 2:41 am
A Joe, You have done it again!
Fun stuff! I wish chefs these days had the guts to kill themselves over late fish! The beauties of hedonism revealed.
Good one . j
Rajiv Sighamony
On April 5, 2009 at 5:32 am
It seems, you are fond of historical events. nice post.
R J Evans
On April 5, 2009 at 11:49 am
Very interesting and easy to read article. Have popped it up on digg at
http://digg.com/people/Nine_Strange_Deaths_of_Historical_Figures
and blogged it at…
http://www.webphemera.com/2009/04/nine-strange-deaths-of-historical.html
Hope you don’t mind! Many thanks!
Best regards
RJ