The skull of King Charles XII of Sweden, killed in 1718 by a projectile during the siege of Fredriksten in Norway bears silent witness to his death. The shot entered the left temple and exited the right, ending the reign of one of Europe’s last warrior kings.
Ruling from 1697 to 1718, Charles led Sweden through the Great Northern War embodying the soldier-king ideal. His death ended Sweden’s imperial ambitions.
In 1917, scientists exhumed his remains to study whether he was slain by enemy fire or an assassin’s bullet. A lead button near the wound fueled speculation of friendly fire, a mystery that endures alongside his legend.
by herohorny69
4 Comments
Gruesome way to die, but at least it was quick
I don’t know if you guys noticed, but it has a big hole in it.
Mind-blowing
Well, at least he was open-minded.