Educational purpose only. This post documents historical events related to the life and death of Napoleon Bonaparte and aims to educate about historical procedures and the significance of the exhumation. We do not glorify violence or hate.
Inside the Open Coffin of Napoleon Bonaparte
Approximately 20 years after Napoleon Bonaparte’s death, the tomb of the former French Emperor was exhumed, and his coffin was opened. What amazed witnesses was the astonishing state of preservation of his body. But beyond that, what else was found inside the coffin?
1. The Circumstances of the Exhumation
Napoleon Bonaparte died on May 5, 1821, while exiled on the island of St Helena. He was buried on the island, but his dying wish was to be buried on the banks of the Seine in France.
It was not until 1840, approximately 19 years later, that the French King approved the repatriation of Napoleon’s remains to France. This event became known as the “Retour des Cendres” (Return of the Ashes). During the process of moving the remains, Napoleon’s coffin was opened for inspection and identification.
2. The Astonishing State of the Body
When the coffin was opened, witnesses were stunned. Napoleon’s body was preserved in an almost perfect state, to the point that he appeared as if he were still alive. This was remarkable given that he had been dead for more than 18 years.
Researchers believe that the extraordinary preservation was due to:
The embalming method: The doctors who prepared the body used a special embalming technique.
The lead coffin: Napoleon’s body was placed inside a lead coffin, which effectively sealed out air and moisture, preventing decomposition.
3. Items Found Inside the Coffin
In addition to Napoleon’s body, witnesses found several other items inside the coffin:
A deck of cards: Believed to have been brought by Napoleon for entertainment during his exile.
Several coins: Coins bearing Napoleon’s image.
Fabric and clothing fragments: Some of Napoleon’s clothing and personal effects were still preserved.
These items were remarkably well-preserved, thanks to the lead coffin.
4. The Journey Home
After the coffin was opened and inspected, Napoleon’s remains were transported by ship back to France. He was reburied at Les Invalides in Paris, where his tomb remains one of the city’s most famous tourist attractions today.
5. The “Cut” on the Neck
One intriguing detail recorded during the exhumation was the discovery of a scar or cut mark on Napoleon’s neck. This further confirmed that the body in the coffin was indeed Napoleon’s, as he had been wounded in an assassination attempt in 1800.
6. Legacy and Significance
The 1840 exhumation answered many questions surrounding Napoleon’s death and confirmed the identity of the remains in the coffin. The remarkable preservation of the body left a lasting impression on the public and historians alike.
Primary Sources:
Wikipedia — Napoleon’s return from St Helena
Wikipedia — Exhumation of Napoleon Bonaparte
Historical records of the “Retour des Cendres”
Biographies of Napoleon by historians F. Markham and V. Cronin