Napoleon Bonaparte is famous for his military prowess, but some lesser-known facts about him are shocking. These strange and fascinating stories reveal a different side of the French emperor. Here are five of the most WTF facts about Napoleon you probably never knew.
The 5 Most WTF Facts About Napoleon
1. Napoleon Sold America a Ticking Time Bomb
In 1803, Napoleon struck a deal with the U.S. government, selling the Louisiana Territory for $15 million. The land, spanning 828,000 square miles, became a significant part of the United States. But what many don’t realize is that this land included the Yellowstone Supervolcano, a geological time bomb.
The Yellowstone Supervolcano erupts approximately every 600,000 years and is currently 40,000 years overdue. If it erupts, the result would be catastrophic, spreading ash across the Northern Hemisphere. While Napoleon likely sold the land for quick cash to fund his European campaigns, this hidden danger has raised questions about whether he knew what he was doing.
2. A Mixed Record on Civil Rights
Napoleon’s legacy often highlights his contributions to the legal system, including the Napoleonic Code, which modernized French law. However, his civil rights record is far from spotless. While he introduced progressive reforms, he also made decisions that negatively impacted various groups. For example, in 1802, Napoleon reinstated slavery in French colonies after it had been abolished, setting back freedom for many.
He also censored the press, suppressed critics, and reduced the rights of women and children. These actions contrast sharply with his more positive contributions, making his civil rights record a mixed bag of reforms and regressions.
3. Napoleon Took Time Off from War to Write a Romance Novel
In 1794, Napoleon, then a 25-year-old military commander, faced a professional setback that put his military career on hold. Rather than focusing on battles, he took a surprising detour: writing a romance novel. Titled Clisson et Eugénie, the novel was inspired by his affair with Désirée Clary, his brother’s sister-in-law.
During this period, Napoleon took a break from his military duties and spent time focusing on his writing. While the novel didn’t make him famous, it remains a curious part of his legacy. It’s rare for a leader known for warfare to take time off for romance writing, but this strange chapter in his life offers a glimpse into his softer side.
4. Napoleon Was a Master of Religious Opportunism
Napoleon had a pragmatic approach to religion, often adapting his beliefs to suit his political needs. He wasn’t known for being particularly devout but used religion as a tool to secure loyalty. For example, he aligned himself with the Catholic Church when ruling Catholic regions. In Egypt, he publicly embraced Islam to gain favor with local communities.
His ability to change religious allegiances based on political advantage made him a chameleon-like figure in world history. Napoleon’s opportunistic use of religion helped him win the hearts of the people he sought to control, showing that his personal beliefs took a back seat to his ambitions.
5. Napoleon’s Penis Was Allegedly Removed and Sold
One of the most bizarre facts about Napoleon involves an unusual story from after his death. During an autopsy following his death in 1821, it’s alleged that a chaplain bribed the doctor to remove Napoleon’s penis. The chaplain sought revenge after being insulted by the emperor, who had reportedly called him “impotent.”
This alleged body part has since traveled the world, sold between collectors, and displayed in exhibitions. Today, it resides in the private collection of a New Jersey urologist. Remarkably, collectors have offered $100,000 for this peculiar relic. Descriptions of the object vary, with some likening it to a “shriveled eel” or a strip of leather. While its authenticity is debated, the story adds yet another layer of mystery to Napoleon’s posthumous legacy.