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Men burnt alive at a party
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Men burnt alive at a party
During reign of Charles VI of France - a practical joke goes horribly wrong when a number of men are burnt alive in their costumes at a party. Date: 29th January 1392
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Media ID 14272189
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1392 29th Alive Burnt Joke Practical Reign Wrong Horribly January
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This haunting image depicts the aftermath of a tragic and infamous event that occurred in France on the night of January 29, 1392. During the reign of Charles VI, known as Charles the Mad due to his bouts of mental instability, a group of men gathered at a grandiose party held at the Palace of the Cité in Paris. In an attempt to entertain the king and his court, they concocted a practical joke that would go down in history as a grim reminder of the unintended consequences of merriment. The prank involved dressing several men in inflammable costumes, resembling living torches, and ordering them to dance before the king. The men, unaware of the danger, obliged, and as they moved, their costumes ignited, setting them ablaze. The horrified onlookers could only watch as the men, trapped in their burning attire, were unable to free themselves. The exact number of men who perished in the fire remains uncertain, but it is believed that several lost their lives that fateful night. The image, though graphic in nature, is a poignant reminder of the potential consequences of careless actions and the importance of considering the potential repercussions of our actions, even in the context of merriment and entertainment. The tragic incident also serves as a stark contrast to the opulence and grandeur of the royal court, highlighting the capricious nature of human existence and the unpredictability of fate.
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