Unusual Deaths: Part II
Here are a list of unusual deaths that took place during the Middle Ages:
1. Sigurd the Mighty of Orkney – It is said that in 892, Sigurd strapped the head of a defeated foe to his leg, the tooth of which grazed against him as he rode his horse, causing an infection that killed him.
2. Béla I of Hungary - In 1063, this royal family member died when his throne’s canopy collapsed.
3. Henry I of England – In 1135, King Henry I is said to have died after gorging on lampreys, which is his favorite food.
4. Inalchuk – In 1219, this Muslim governor of the Central Asian town of Otrar, was captured and killed by invading Mongols, who had poured molten silver in his eyes, ears, and throat.
5. Al-Musta’sim - In 1258, Al-Musta’sim was killed during the Mongol invasion of the Abbasid Caliphate. Not wanting to spill royal blood, Hulagu Khan wrapped him in a rug and had him trampled to death by his horses.
6. John Duns Scotus, O.F.M – In 1308, it is said that he was buried alive following his lapse into a coma.
7. Humphrey de Bohun, Fourth Earl of Hereford – In 1322, he was fatally speared through the anus by a pike-man who was hiding under the bridge during the Battle of Boroughbridge.
8. Edward II of England – In 1327, after being imprisoned by his Queen consort Isabella and her lover Roger Mortimer, Edward was rumored to have been murdered by having a red-hot iron inserted into his anus.
9. Martin I of Aragon - In 1410, Martin I died from a lethal combination of indigestion and uncontrollable laughter.
10. George Plantagenet, Duke of Clarence - In 1478, George was executed by drowning in a barrel of Malmsey wine, at his own request.
Works Cited/Further Reading
Wikipedia.org’s article “List of unusual deaths”
