10 Strange Facts About Napoleon Almost No One Knows

Napoleon Bonaparte is one of those historical figures everyone thinks they know. But beyond his grand military campaigns and famous stature, there are countless strange and quirky facts about him that fly under the radar. This article dives into 13 unusual aspects of his life that might surprise you.

Despite being a military mastermind, Napoleon had his fair share of odd habits and unusual traits. From his eccentricities to lesser-known personal details, these revelations paint a fuller picture of the emperor. This mix of fact and quirk is what makes Napoleon a continuously fascinating subject.

1. Napoleon was once attacked by a horde of bunnies

Yes, you read that right. Perhaps one of the most bizarre moments in Napoleon's life happened in July 1807, shortly after the Treaties of Tilsit were signed. In celebration, Napoleon organized a rabbit hunt. He expected a fun and relaxing time, but the event quickly turned into a chaotic mess.

As soon as the rabbits were released from their cages, things went haywire. Instead of fleeing in fear, the bunnies charged straight at Napoleon and his men. The fluffy little creatures swarmed them, turning a leisurely hunt into a frantic battle.

Napoleon and his men tried to defend themselves with riding crops, sticks, and whatever they could grab. Despite their best efforts, the rabbits were relentless. Eventually, Napoleon had no choice but to retreat to his carriage.

This strange and hilarious episode shows that even the most powerful leaders can find themselves in the oddest of situations. Napoleon may have been a military genius, but on this day, he was no match for a determined horde of bunnies.

2. He wrote a romantic novella titled 'Clisson et Eugénie'

Napoleon Bonaparte, the military genius and French Emperor, wasn't just about battles and conquests. He also dabbled in writing. In 1795, he penned a romantic novella called Clisson et Eugénie.

The story is about Clisson, a soldier who falls in love with Eugénie. Many believe this novella was a reflection of Napoleon's own feelings and experiences.

Eugénie in the novella is inspired by Eugénie Désirée Clary, a woman Napoleon once loved. Her sister, Julie, was married to Napoleon's brother, Joseph. Quite a family affair!

Interestingly, the novella wasn’t published until after Napoleon’s death. This little-known literary work gives a unique peek into the softer side of the famously stern leader.

• Napoleon wrote Clisson et Eugénie in 1795.
• The novella is based on his own romantic experiences.
• Features the doomed love story of a soldier and his lover, Eugénie.
• It was published posthumously.

Napoleon’s lesser-known talent for writing shows that even powerful leaders have a creative side.

3. Napoleon was afraid of cats.

Believe it or not, Napoleon Bonaparte had a strange fear: cats!

Napoleon, the fierce general, and emperor, was known to be terrified of our furry feline friends. This phobia, known as ailurophobia, made him uneasy around cats.

Imagine this powerful leader, who led armies into battle, getting nervous at the sight of a kitty.

• Misconception 1: "He was fearless" – Nope, not when it came to cats.
• Misconception 2: "He hated cats" – He was actually just really scared!

So, next time you see a cat, remember even history’s toughest leaders had their little fears!

4. His famous bicorne hat was always worn sideways.

Napoleon's hat style was unique. He didn't wear his bicorne hat with the points facing front and back like most people would. Instead, he wore it sideways.

This made him stand out in a crowd and on the battlefield.

Napoleon's sideways hat had three main effects:

• It made him easily recognizable to his troops.
• It became a symbol of his unique leadership style.
• It helped cement his iconic image in history.

The hat was a practical choice too. Soldiers could quickly spot him, even in the chaos of battle.

He owned about 120 of these hats during his reign. Each one was made from black felt or beaver fur.

People knew him by his hat. It almost became as famous as he was.

Napoleon's sideways hat remains a classic symbol of his reign. A simple fashion choice turned into a powerful icon.

5. Napoleon's favorite scent was Eau de Cologne.

Napoleon Bonaparte, famous for his military tactics, also had strong opinions about smell. His favorite? Eau de Cologne. He loved it so much that he reportedly went through around 60 bottles each month.

One might think he would prefer the scent of victory, but Eau de Cologne was his go-to fragrance.

Not only did he douse himself in it, but he also sent strict instructions to his wife, Josephine. While he was away, he wrote to her demanding that she not bathe. No need to wash off that natural scent he loved so much!

Napoleon's cologne contained ingredients like citrus and rosemary. These scents were believed to boost his mood and perhaps even his focus on the battlefield.

Napoleon had a quarterly bill in 1806 where he bought 162 bottles of Eau de Cologne for 423 francs. That's quite a bit of change for a nice smell!

His love for Eau de Cologne wasn't just about smelling good. It showed his unique personality and quirks, making him memorable not just for his battles, but also for his personal style.

6. He loved licorice and often carried it with him

Napoleon Bonaparte had a sweet spot for licorice. Many who knew him noted this quirky habit.

He often kept a stash of it in his pocket. Some say he even had discolored teeth because of his constant licorice munching.

Whether in battle or at his palace, he always made sure to have some licorice handy. It wasn’t just a treat—it was his comfort food.

Imagine Napoleon, great military leader, with sticky black licorice in his pocket. It’s a quirky, humanizing detail many don’t know.

Isn’t it interesting to think of such a powerful figure with such a simple and chewy craving? It’s those little habits that make history fun!

7. Napoleon Once Designed a Steam Engine for the British Navy

Napoleon and steam engines? Sounds bizarre, right? Surprisingly, there's a story that Napoleon once tried to get the British navy interested in his steamship design.

The idea didn't come out of nowhere. During his time, steam power was becoming a huge deal.

Napoleon reportedly saw potential in steam-powered vessels and thought of pitching one to the British. Imagine that - the famous French emperor trying to help out his biggest naval rival!

• Not a Submarine: Contrary to some stories, what he pitched was a steam-powered ship, not some underwater contraption.
• Questionable Facts: Whether he actually spoke to the British Navy himself is a bit murky. Some records suggest he didn't meet them personally.

Although his design didn’t get adopted, Napoleon's interest in steam power shows his knack for innovation.

His proposal might have been seen as too radical or just impractical at the time. The British Navy, known for its maritime dominance, was conservative about adopting new tech.

In the end, Napoleon’s steam engine idea didn't sail. Yet, it’s fascinating to think about what could have been if they had given it a shot.

8. He had a photographic memory for people and names.

Napoleon Bonaparte is rumored to have had a photographic memory. He could recall people's names and details about them effortlessly.

Imagine meeting hundreds of people and remembering them all. Napoleon did just that. He knew the names of his soldiers and their ranks.

This ability helped him maintain strong connections with his troops. They felt valued and respected.

Was this talent real or just legend? Some say it's blown out of proportion. Yet, many accounts suggest he truly had this remarkable skill.

9. Napoleon was generous with his soldiers, often giving bonuses.

Napoleon was known for his generosity towards his troops. He often handed out bonuses to reward bravery and hard work. This made his soldiers feel valued and boosted their morale.

Bonuses were sometimes given in the form of money or valuable gifts. This not only showed Napoleon's appreciation for his men's efforts but also encouraged them to perform even better.

Separate from their regular pay, these bonuses helped maintain loyalty among his ranks. Soldiers who received bonuses for bravery would strive to continue their courageous actions.

This practice helped Napoleon keep a motivated and loyal army. It played a big part in his numerous military successes. Finances were tight, but Napoleon found ways to reward his soldiers, reinforcing a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.

These bonuses also strengthened bonds between Napoleon and his troops. His soldiers respected him not just as a leader but as someone who genuinely cared for their well-being. This mutual respect proved crucial in the many battles they fought together.

10. He used to iron his own military uniforms.

Napoleon, despite being a historical giant, had some pretty down-to-earth habits. One of those was ironing his own military uniforms. Yes, you read that right!

While his armies were vast and his battles numerous, he took personal care of his appearance. It wasn't exactly what you'd expect from a man commanding thousands of soldiers.

Napoleon believed in the importance of looking sharp. No wrinkled uniforms for this Emperor! Keeping his attire crisp and neat was a priority, even on the eve of major battles.

It's fascinating to think about him with an iron in hand, isn't it? Maybe he found the activity calming amidst all his military campaigns.

This peculiar habit also speaks volumes about his attention to detail. In every aspect of his life, he made sure everything was in order.

11. Napoleon was fascinated by Egypt and its culture

Napoleon Bonaparte had a big thing for Egypt. It wasn't just about conquering land; he was totally into the history and culture too.

When he led his campaign to Egypt, he brought along a team of scholars and scientists. He wanted to learn everything about the place. This group discovered the Rosetta Stone, which later helped decode Egyptian hieroglyphs.

Napoleon admired ancient Egyptian civilization. He was inspired by their great pharaohs and monumental achievements. He even imagined himself as a modern-day pharaoh.

Some key points about Napoleon's Egypt obsession:

• Took scholars on his campaigns
• Found the Rosetta Stone
• Dreamed of being seen as a pharaoh

His fascination wasn't just a passing phase. It left a mark on Europe, sparking interest in Egyptology. This fascination still influences our understanding of ancient Egypt today.

12. He Once Attempted to Learn Turkish

Napoleon was always up for a challenge, even when it came to languages. At one point, he tried to learn Turkish. His interest wasn't just a passing whim. He was genuinely keen on understanding the culture and language, which could aid his political ambitions in the East.

Learning Turkish wasn't easy, even for someone as focused as Napoleon. The language has a unique structure and grammar, quite different from his native French. But that didn't stop him. He studied diligently, although it's unclear how much he actually mastered.

Some might think it's odd for a French emperor to pick up Turkish. But Napoleon was known for his strategic mind. He likely saw the value in bridging cultural gaps through language. Plus, his appetite for knowledge was insatiable.

It's amusing to think of the mighty Napoleon hunched over textbooks, struggling with Turkish verbs. It adds a human touch to the larger-than-life figure we often imagine.

13. Napoleon's personal library had over 3,000 books.

Napoleon Bonaparte was not just a military genius; he was also a bookworm. His personal library boasted over 3,000 volumes.

Books were his escape and his weapon. He traveled with books, even taking a portable library on military campaigns. Imagine lugging around all those books while trying to conquer Europe!

Here's what's surprising about his collection:

• Classics Fan: He loved reading classical authors like Plutarch and Homer.
• Diverse Tastes: His library included everything from history to science.
• Portable Library: Napoleon had a customized, compact library for his adventures.

Napoleon’s book obsession was so intense that he had a personal librarian. This helped him stay organized and ensured he never ran out of reading material.

His passion for books reveals a different side to the famous conqueror. While he was feared on the battlefield, he found comfort and guidance in literature. His library was a reflection of his curious and intellectual mind.

The Myth Of Napoleon's Height

People often think Napoleon Bonaparte was very short, but his height was actually pretty normal for his time. Let's explore why this misconception happened and why his height even mattered back then.

The Confusion With Imperial Measurements

Napoleon’s height has been greatly misunderstood due to differences between French and English measurements.

• French Inches: Measured by French standards, Napoleon was recorded as 5 pieds 2 pouces. This isn’t the same as 5 feet 2 inches in the Imperial system.
• Translation Error: When converting to the English system, his actual height would be about 5 feet 6.5 inches.

This was around the average height for French men of his era. This confusion has led many to incorrectly believe he was very short.

Why Height Mattered In His Era

Back in Napoleon's time, height was viewed differently than today.

• Leadership Perception: Physical stature was often linked to power and authority. A tall man was seen as more commanding, making Napoleon’s alleged shortness seem like a liability.
• Propaganda: His enemies also used his supposed short stature to mock him and portray him as less intimidating.

This myth persisted not just because of measurement errors, but also due to deliberate efforts to undermine his image.

These factors together created the myth that still persists today, despite historical evidence showing otherwise.

Napoleon And The Sphinx

Did Napoleon’s men actually shoot the nose off the Sphinx? And what was Napoleon even doing in Egypt? Let's dig into these curious aspects of history.

The Legend Of The Sphinx's Nose

There's a persistent legend that Napoleon's troops shot off the Great Sphinx’s nose with a cannon. Imagining a French general-turned-Emperor ordering such a deed is dramatic. Yet, it's not accurate.

Historical Misconceptions:

• Napoleon's troops: The idea they shot the nose off the Sphinx in 1798.
• Who to blame?: A common myth, but evidence suggests otherwise.

In fact, a drawing from 1737 shows the Sphinx already missing its nose. That’s over 60 years before Napoleon’s campaign in Egypt. So, while the story makes for a great tale, it just didn’t happen that way.

Napoleon's Egyptian Campaign

Napoleon’s Egyptian Campaign is an often-overlooked part of his career. In 1798, he led a military expedition to Egypt, aiming to weaken British influence and explore ancient civilizations.

Key Points:

• Dates: The campaign lasted from 1798 to 1801.
• Purpose: To disrupt British trade routes and gain scientific knowledge.

During this time, and under his command, scholars and scientists not only studied the pyramids and ancient ruins but also helped establish the field of Egyptology. They discovered the Rosetta Stone, which became crucial for decoding Egyptian hieroglyphs. So, while Napoleon didn’t destroy the Sphinx’s nose, his campaign in Egypt did leave a significant mark on history.