In the 7th Century BC, Draco became the first legislator of Athens in Ancient Greece. His written laws were particularly harsh and it is from this that the adjective Draconian (referring to severe laws or rules) comes from. It is alleged he died after being suffocated by hats and cloaks Continue Reading
How They Died
They couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance
Union General John Sedgwick was a brave and inspiring figure in the American Civil War. At a skirmish near Spotsylvania Court House, Confederate snipers were causing problems when he was trying to deploy his men. The following report by General McMahon who was at his side, describes his unfortunate last conversation: Continue Reading
Vive la Révolution: Victims of The Guillotine
During the Reign of Terror (1793-1794) in the French Revolution it is estimated that up to 40,000 people were executed by Guillotine. Notable victims were: François III Maximilien de la Woestyne, 3rd Marquess of Becelaere Arnaud II de La Porte (23 August 1792) Second political victim of the guillotine Jacques Continue Reading