What really killed Napoleon Bonaparte? The exact cause of Napoleon Bonaparte’s death has been the subject of debate and speculation for many years. Napoleon died on May 5, 1821, on the island of Saint Helena, where he was in exile. The official cause of death, as recorded by his attending physician, Dr. François Carlo Antommarchi, was stomach cancer. This diagnosis was supported by an autopsy conducted after his death.

However, various theories have emerged over the years, suggesting different potential causes:

Arsenic Poisoning:

In the 1960s, Swedish dentist Sten Forshufvud proposed that Napoleon might have been slowly poisoned with arsenic. This theory was based on hair samples containing high levels of arsenic. Arsenic was commonly used as a preservative in hair at the time, which complicates this theory.

Peptic Ulcer and Gastric Cancer:

The initial diagnosis of stomach cancer was supported by some historians and medical experts who believe that Napoleon suffered from a peptic ulcer that progressed to gastric cancer.

Medical Treatments:

Another theory suggests that the treatments Napoleon received for his ailments, including various medications, might have contributed to his death. The medical practices of the time were not always beneficial and sometimes harmful.

Environmental Factors:

Some suggest that the damp and unhealthy living conditions on Saint Helena might have exacerbated Napoleon’s health problems, contributing to his death.

Despite the various theories, the most widely accepted cause of death remains stomach cancer, as indicated by the autopsy report. However, the debate continues due to the historical and political intrigue surrounding Napoleon’s life and death.