10 Bizarre Royal Deaths from History

10 Bizarre Royal Deaths from History

Author: Lindsay Holiday October 28, 2025 Duration: 31:45
With so much money and power, royals were able to invent some pretty unique and creative ways to slay their enemies, or accidentally seal their own doom. From a Chinese Emperor’s deadly elixir of life to a steamy Roman romance that got a little too scalding hot. From a court jester so hilarious he made a Spanish king litrally die laughing, to a Swedish King’s massive last meal of caviar, champagne and cream puffs. Let’s dig up 10 truly bizarre royal deaths. 1. Hatshepsut, Pharaoh of Egypt 1507–1458 BC, Toxic Lotion 2. Qin Shi Huangdi, Emperor of China 259 - 210 BC, Deadly Elixir of Life 3. Valerian, Roman Emperor 199 – 264, Forced to Drink Molten Gold 4. Fausta, Roman Empress 326, Boiled in the Bath 5. Henry I, King of England, 1068 – 1135, Over indulged in lampreys 6. Phillippe, Prince of France, 1116-1131, Horse tripped by a pig 7. Martin, King of Aragon & Sicily 1356 – 1410, Laughed to death 8. Charles II, King of Navarre 1332 – 1387, Soaked in brandy, caught fire 9. Adolf Frederick King of Sweden 1710 – 1771, Ate himself to death 10. Alexander King of Greece 1893 – 1920, bite by monkey Join me every Tuesday when I'm Spilling the Tea on History! Check out my Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/lindsayholiday Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091781568503 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/historyteatimelindsayholiday/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@historyteatime Please consider supporting me at https://www.patreon.com/LindsayHoliday and help me make more fascinating episodes! Intro Music: Baroque Coffee House by Doug Maxwell Music: Danse Macabre by Camille Saint-Saëns, Public Domain, Performed by Kevin MacLeod #HistoryTeaTime #LindsayHoliday Please contact ⁠advertising@airwavemedia.com⁠ if you would like to advertise on this podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every Tuesday, Lindsay Holiday pours a fresh cup and settles in to share the fascinating, often overlooked tales from our past. History Tea Time is built on the idea that history is best served with a generous helping of personality and a focus on the compelling narratives that textbooks tend to skip. Lindsay’s approach feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who has a real knack for digging up the juiciest details. While you’ll often find episodes delving into the lives of queens and royalty from across the globe, there’s a consistent spotlight on women’s history, bringing forward the stories of figures who shaped the world from behind the throne or beyond the traditional spotlight. Listening to this podcast feels like uncovering a secret side of the past, one where the human drama, ambitions, and scandals are given center stage. Each episode is a deep dive into a specific story, told with clarity and a genuine enthusiasm that makes even the most complex historical moments accessible and utterly engaging. If you’ve ever wanted the real, unvarnished, and truly interesting stories behind the names and dates, this is your weekly invitation to listen in.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 218

History Tea Time
Podcast Episodes
Royal & Noble Serial Killers – Male [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:52
Through most of history, royals and nobles held a place high above the peasant class. Their word was law and they could often get away with murder, literally. So much unchecked power sometimes went to a rulers head, morp…
Shortest & Longest Royal Reigns in History [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:22
Let's count down the shortest and longest royal reigns in History. From Just 20 minutes to 72 years! Shortest Reigns: Berengaria of Castile Emperor Taichang Napoleon II Pope Urban VII Jane of England Louis XIX of France…
6 Wives of Henry VIII 2/2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:11
Henry VIII is one of the most famous kings in English history. He is renowned for his voracious appetites – for food, wine, power and women. During his 38 year reign he went through 6 wives and for them triggered seismic…
6 Wives of Henry VIII 1/2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:03
Henry VIII is one of the most famous kings in English history. He is renowned for his voracious appetites – for food, wine, power and women. During his 38 year reign he went through 6 wives and for them triggered seismic…
A History of Childbirth [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:00
Throughout history one thing has had more impact on women’s lives than almost anything else - giving birth to children. In this episode we will explore various aspects of this paramount and awe-inspiring process and how…
10 Future Monarchs of Europe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:12
Only 10 hereditary monarchies endure in Europe. Let's meet the heirs who are in line to wear the crowns: Belgium: Princess Elisabeth, Duchess of Brabant Denmark: Frederik, Crown Prince of Denmark; Prince Christian, Count…
10 Current Monarchs of Europe [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:43
Ten hereditary monarchies still survive in Europe. These royal rulers are seen as figure heads and public faces for their countries. They generate good will and patriotism and are involved in charity work but most are ba…
Royal Castles & Palaces of England: Georgian to Today 3/3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:41
From the defensive towers erected by William I to secure his conquest of England, to the grand banqueting halls of the Tudors; the luxurious state rooms of the Stuarts and Georgians to the lovingly and expensively mainta…
Royal Castles & Palaces of England: Tudor 2/3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:10
What makes a man a King? Aside from genetic luck and a glittering crown, it’s a castle. In this three part series, we’ll explore 15 of the most historically important Royal Castles & Palaces of England. In the last episo…
Royal Castles & Palaces of England: Medieval 1/3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:14
What makes a man a King? Aside from genetic luck and a glittering crown, it’s a castle. From the defensive towers erected by William I to secure his conquest of England, to the grand banqueting halls of the Tudors; the l…