The Mysterious Demise of Napoleon: Unraveling the Cause of His Death

Ridley Scott's Napoleon raises questions about the life, rule, and rise to power of the former French Emperor - but what were the circumstances of Bonaparte's death? Here's a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know. Despite criticism for historical inaccuracies, the movie's 2-hour and 38-minute narrative is based on plenty of factual information.

We described the movie in our three-star review as uncovering the story of a seemingly insignificant man who unwittingly made a significant impact amidst the chaos of the overarching battle, for better or worse. While Napoleon explores the rise to power and wartime exploits of the French Emperor, how exactly did Bonaparte meet his end? Here is an explanation of his cause of death.

How did Napoleon die? Cause of death explained

Napoleon died of ill health in 1821, at the age of 51. Though Scott’s film doesn’t show Bonaparte’s death onscreen, it is mentioned in the closing epilogue.

The movie depicts Napoleon’s last years spent on the island of St Helena, where he was exiled following the devastating loss of men in the Battle of Waterloo, ultimately sealing his fate at the hands of British officials.

Napoleon was exiled for the second time after being driven out of France and sent to the island of Elba. His previous exile was due to the disastrous Russian campaign, which resulted in the loss of the majority of his soldiers. Later, he spent six years on the island of St Helena, where it was believed that his poor treatment and isolation led to his eventual death.

Napoleon was confined to his bed by March 1821 and passed away two months later. He was quoted in the film as saying, "France, the army, the head of the army, Josephine," in his final moments. His death sparked a legendary period, with his body being returned to France nearly twenty years afterward. Although Louis Philippe I found Napoleon's body to be nearly perfectly preserved, parts of it had been removed during the first autopsy, including his penis.

The exact cause of Napoleon's death has never been officially determined, with various theories proposed by experts. Some believe it was due to stomach cancer, others suggest a stomach ulcer, and a minority even propose deliberate causes such as arsenic poisoning. "Napoleon" will be released in theaters on November 22. Be sure to explore our other TV and movie reviews here.

Editor's P/S

1. In the realm of historical figures, Napoleon Bonaparte stands as an enigmatic and captivating figure. Ridley Scott's recent film "Napoleon" sheds light on the life and reign of the French Emperor, leaving viewers intrigued by the circumstances surrounding his demise. The movie portrays Napoleon's final years on the remote island of St. Helena, where he was exiled after the disastrous Battle of Waterloo. It is there, in the isolation and despair of exile, that Napoleon's health rapidly declined, leading to his death at the age of 51.

2. Despite the film's omission of Napoleon's actual death scene, it effectively conveys the tragic nature of his final days. The lingering effects of his military campaigns, coupled with the harsh conditions of St. Helena, undoubtedly contributed to his declining health. Yet, the exact cause of Napoleon's death remains a subject of speculation and debate among experts. Theories range from stomach cancer to a stomach ulcer, with some even suggesting the possibility of deliberate poisoning. Regardless of the specific cause, Napoleon's death marked the end of an extraordinary life that forever transformed the course of European history.