Napoleon Did WHAT?! 15 Facts You Won’t Believe Are True

Napoleon Bonaparte’s name conjures images of battlefield brilliance and imperial ambition. Yet, beyond the myths and military maneuvers, his life was packed with unexpected quirks, bizarre decisions, and mind-boggling incidents. From animal duels to scientific misadventures, these astonishing facts reveal a side of Napoleon that seldom makes history books, proving there’s much more to France’s most notorious emperor than meets the eye.

1. He Was Once Attacked by a Horde of Rabbits

In 1807, after signing the Treaty of Tilsit, Napoleon Bonaparte celebrated with a grand rabbit hunt. His chief of staff, Alexandre Berthier, sourced over 3,000 domesticated rabbits for the event. Upon release, instead of fleeing, the hungry rabbits charged toward Napoleon and his party, overwhelming them. The Emperor was forced to retreat to his carriage, with some rabbits even entering it. This unexpected incident became a source of amusement and embarrassment for Napoleon (ripleys.com).

2. He Wrote a Romance Novel as a Teenager

Before conquering Europe, Napoleon Bonaparte tried his hand at literature. At age 17, he wrote a romantic novella called ‘Clisson et Eugénie,’ inspired by his own heartbreak. The manuscript, filled with moody passion, was posthumously published and offers a rare glimpse into his youthful vulnerabilities. Details and excerpts can be found from The Guardian.

3. He Started a Fashion Trend: The ‘Hand-in-Waistcoat’ Pose

Napoleon’s iconic hand-in-waistcoat stance wasn’t merely a painter’s whim; it became a widespread portrait trend among politicians, officers, and even businessmen during the 19th century, symbolizing calm and leadership. This pose, rooted in classical statuary, was popularized by artist Jacques-Louis David in his 1812 painting “Napoleon in His Study” (mentalfloss.com).

4. He Was Not Actually Short

Despite the ‘Napoleon complex’ myth, evidence suggests Napoleon stood about 5’6″ (1.68m), average for his era. The confusion arose due to differences between French and English measurement systems. For more on the origin and persistence of this myth, visit BBC News.

5. He Crowned Himself Emperor

In a bold move during his 1804 coronation, Napoleon took the crown from the Pope’s hands and crowned himself, symbolizing his authority over the church. This jaw-dropping gesture cemented Napoleon’s dominance and broke with tradition. Read more at History Extra.

6. He Reformed the Metric System

Napoleon championed the adoption of the metric system throughout his empire, replacing confusing regional measures with a standardized, logical system still used across the world today. His reforms had lasting global impact. Discover more in Encyclopedia Britannica.

7. He Had a Passion for Science — And Egyptology

Napoleon’s Egyptian campaign led to the discovery of the Rosetta Stone and spurred European fascination with ancient Egypt. He brought scholars (savants) to document and study Egypt’s riches, laying the groundwork for modern Egyptology. The story behind his scientific legacy is explored on Smithsonian Magazine.

8. Napoleon Was Afraid of Cats

Despite his formidable reputation, Napoleon Bonaparte reportedly suffered from ailurophobia—a fear of cats. Anecdotes suggest that during the Battle of Wagram, he was found in his tent, sword drawn, defending himself against a stray cat. However, some historians question the authenticity of these accounts, noting that no definitive records confirm his aversion to felines (mentalfloss.com).

9. He Escaped His First Exile and Returned to Power

After being exiled to Elba in 1814, Napoleon managed to escape less than a year later, rallying old troops and seizing control of France for a dramatic ‘Hundred Days.’ This incredible comeback has inspired countless books and films. Full account at History.com.

10. He Instituted Modern Civil Law: The ‘Napoleonic Code’

Napoleon oversaw the creation of the ‘Code Napoléon,’ transforming French society by codifying laws on property, civil rights, and family. Variations of this legal code remain influential worldwide. In-depth study available at Encyclopedia Britannica.

11. He Nearly Cheated Death Before Waterloo

Just days before the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon Bonaparte fell gravely ill, possibly due to a urinary tract infection or food poisoning. This illness may have impaired his decision-making during the battle. For a detailed account, refer to National Geographic’s article on the Battle of Waterloo (nationalgeographic.com).

12. He Pioneered Military Canned Food

In 1795, seeking a reliable method to supply his troops, Napoleon Bonaparte offered a 12,000-franc prize for a new food preservation technique. French chef Nicolas Appert won the prize in 1810 by developing a method of sealing food in glass jars and heating them, effectively preserving the contents. This innovation revolutionized military logistics and later civilian cuisine. More at HistoryNet.

13. His First Language Was Not French

Born in Corsica in 1769, Napoleon Bonaparte’s first languages were Corsican and Italian. Corsican, a dialect closely related to Tuscan Italian, was the native tongue of the island’s inhabitants. Italian was the official language of Corsica at the time, and Napoleon’s family, of Italian descent, spoke it at home. He began learning French at the age of nine when he moved to mainland France for his education. Despite becoming fluent, Napoleon retained a distinctive Corsican accent throughout his life and faced challenges with French grammar and spelling (en.wikipedia.org).

14. He Once Defeated an Enemy Using Mirrors

During his Egyptian campaign, Napoleon Bonaparte’s engineers devised a scheme involving mirrors to disorient and blind the enemy in desert combat, demonstrating his embrace of unconventional tactics. While the specific details remain debated, his use of innovative strategies is noted in Military History Now.

15. His Death Mask Is Still a Source of Mystery

After Napoleon Bonaparte’s death in 1821, multiple death masks were created, leading to debates over their authenticity. The original cast was taken by Dr. Francis Burton, but some accounts suggest that Madame Bertrand, Napoleon’s attendant, stole part of the cast and gave it to Dr. Antommarchi. This has led to questions about the authenticity of the masks. Explore this historical puzzle at Atlas Obscura.

A Legacy of Oddities

From animal encounters to scientific feats and personal peculiarities, these 15 remarkable episodes reflect Napoleon’s complex character and lasting impact. History often spotlights conquests and defeat, but behind every legendary figure are moments of surprise and humanity. Through such unexpected stories, the legend of Napoleon Bonaparte only grows more fascinating.