Kings who died in the most absurd ways in history

Today you will discover some of the kings who died in absurd ways, that seem like they're from a novel, but are documented in historical chronicles.

Every January 5th, the Three Kings' Night The streets are filled with magic, parades, and golden crowns. We celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men, symbols of wisdom and power. But the real story of the kings—the flesh-and-blood ones—is much less solemn than we imagine.

Why do we know how the kings died?

Unlike the common people, the death of a monarch had to be perfectly documented. Royal chronicles and court accounts detailed the sovereign's end because:

It affected the succession.
It could provoke wars.
It was interpreted as divine will.

Thanks to that, today we know curious deaths in history which contrast with the majestic image we associate with the word "king".

Charles II of Navarre: one of the absurd deaths - The king who died surrounded by alcohol and fire

In the 14th century, medical treatments were based on the theory of humors. To combat his illness, the king was wrapped in bandages soaked in alcohol.
A candle, a moment of carelessness, and the result was fatal: the monarch burned to death in his own bed.
Neither armies nor castles could save him from medieval medicine. This case is a perfect example of how medical ignorance could turn a treatment into a death sentence.

Adolf Frederick of Sweden: dying after a royal banquet

In 1771, Adolf Frederick of Sweden held a lavish meal: lobster, caviar, herring, wine and the famous semlor (hot cream-filled buns).
The indigestion was fatal. He went down in history as the king who ate himself to death, a less than glorious end for someone considered chosen by God.

This episode reflects courtly excesses and how opulence could become a deadly risk.

Martin I of Aragon: the king who died laughing

While suffering from severe indigestion, his jester told him a joke. The king laughed uncontrollably, suffered respiratory collapse, and died shortly afterward.

An unusual end that proves even kings were vulnerable. Laughter, a symbol of joy, became the cause of his death, leaving behind an anecdote that still surprises historians.

From the Three Wise Men to mortal kings

Three Kings' Day celebrates idealized kings: wise, well-traveled, almost eternal. But real history shows us just the opposite:

Vulnerable kings.
Kings receiving poor medical care.
Kings who die from eating, laughing, or an absurd oversight.

The Epiphany reminds us that power does not guarantee immortality. Crowns shine… but they do not protect.

The true gift of history

These deaths do not ridicule the past: they humanize it. They teach us that kings were people trapped in their time, with erroneous medical beliefs and courtly excesses.

In History We believe that history doesn't need artificial solemnity to be fascinating. Discover more historical curiosities in our self-guided tours.