During the coronation of Napoleon in 1804, he went against the tradition and crowned himself instead of having the Pope put the crown on his head. He wanted to symbolise he is becoming the emperor on his own merits and not by the will of God.

In

A painting from Napoleon's coronation — Napoleon's coronation

During the coronation of Napoleon in 1804, he went against the tradition and crowned himself instead of having the Pope put the crown on his head. He wanted to symbolise he is becoming the emperor on his own merits and not by the will of God.

A painting of Napoleon as King — Napoleon as King

His coronation took place at the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris with pomp and splendour.

A few months later, on May 26, 1805, Napoleon crowned himself once again with an iron circlet. This symbolised his rule over all of Italy.

Learn more about some of the most legendary knights of medieval history!

Leave your vote

151 Points

Upvote Downvote

- Advertisement -

Must Read

Previous article

Justinian II of Byzantine Emperor was called “the slit nosed”. His nose was cut off in 695 to stop him from seeking the throne as tradition prevented mutilated people from imperial rule. He replaced his nose with solid gold prosthesis and retook the throne in 705.

Next article

Just before George Washington died in 1799, he allegedly said he would never set foot on English soil ever again”. So, when they erected his statue in London, they had to put US soil under his foot to honour that claim.

Related Articles