Erfurt Latrine Disaster: When 60 Noblemen Plunged To Their Deaths In Human Excreta
In 1184, nobles at a meeting in Erfurt (in present-day Germany) plunged to their deaths into a latrine cesspool. Around 60-100 people died in the incident.
Warning: Do Not Read This Article About The 'Erfurt Latrine Disaster' If You Are Eating Or Are Easily Nauseated!
In history, there would be very few events that can claim the title of being as bizarre, tragic, and downright gross as the Erfurt Latrine Disaster of 1184. Imagine a gathering of the elite — nobles from across the Holy Roman Empire — coming together to resolve a major political dispute, only to find themselves plunged into a pit of... well you guessed it... human excreta. This infamous incident not only highlighted the precariousness of medieval architecture but also served as a grim reminder of the era's sanitation practices.
What Was The Erfurt Latrine Disaster?
On the fateful summer day of July 26, 1184, King Heinrich (or Henry) VI convened a Hoftag, or informal assembly, at the Petersberg Citadel in Erfurt. King Henry VI eventually went on to become the Holy Roman Emperor.
The meeting aimed to mediate a long-standing feud between two prominent figures — Archbishop Conrad of Mainz and Ludwig III, the Landgrave (a title of nobility) of Thuringia.
The feud was basically a story of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object and gaining fame across Germany, even reaching the King. Landgrave (a title similar to a count) Ludwig III wanted absolute power in the Thuringia region, fighting with neighbours and anyone getting in the way.
On the other hand, Archbishop Conrad wanted power for himself and was extremely stubborn, as per History Expose. He refused to defeat even when he was removed from power.
The dispute eventually reached King Henry VI of Erfurt in Germany, who sought to resolve it at a meeting of nobility at the Petersberg Citadel, a fortress in Erfurt. The atmosphere was charged with tension as nobles from all corners of the empire gathered to witness what they hoped would be a resolution to their leaders' ongoing disputes
As the delegates settled into their seats on the second floor of the citadel, little did they know that beneath them lay a disaster waiting to unfold. The ancient wooden floor, unable to bear the combined weight of so many dignitaries, suddenly gave way. What followed was a catastrophic plunge into the church's latrine — a cesspit filled with human waste.
The Plunge Into Infamy
The collapse occurred on July 26, sending between 60 and 100 nobles tumbling into the foul depths below. While some met their end from the fall itself, others faced an even grimmer fate: drowning in liquid excrement or succumbing to the noxious fumes that filled the air. King Henry VI, Archbishop Conrad, and Landgrave Ludwig III survived the horrible accident.
Erfurt Latrine Disaster: A Legacy of Laughter and Lessons
The Erfurt Latrine Disaster has since become a macabre footnote in history, often recounted with a mix of horror and dark humour. It serves as a stark reminder that even those at the pinnacle of power were not immune to the perils of their time.
In addition to its grim legacy, the disaster prompted significant changes in medieval sanitation practices. Following this event, there was increased awareness regarding public health and hygiene standards, leading to improvements in sewage systems throughout Europe
The disaster prompted changes in medieval architecture, such as the reinforcement of structures, design improvements for even weight distribution, use of thicker beams and more robust foundations. The disaster also led to a reconsideration of latrine placements within buildings. Instead of having latrines directly beneath meeting rooms or public spaces, future designs often placed them outside or at a safe distance from main gathering areas.
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