Queen Anne of England, who reigned from 1702 until her death in 1714, was renowned for her hulking size and her ardent love for food. Sharing a similar fascination for cuisine with her predecessor, King James I, Anne’s appetite was so vast that some historic accounts suggest she could consume as many as sixteen courses in a single meal.
In addition to her insatiable hunger, Anne was also rumored to have treasured a unique recipe for a chocolate treat that included traces of marijuana. This indulgent dish, which was a closely guarded secret, was allegedly served at royal banquets, where it was enjoyed by Anne’s intimate circle of friends and courtiers. While the truth behind these tales is unclear, one historical account describes Anne as “a woman of stout heart and formidable to behold… Her presence made her large size seem yet more huge and mayhap too much for her Royal frame. She had a most amiable and resolute countenance, full of vital fire and observable faculties.”
Benito Mussolini, the infamous fascist dictator of Italy, was notorious for his obsession with his appearance. In fact, Mussolini was so fixated on his looks that he was known to commission artful retouches on his official photos, removing any unsightly blemishes or double chins with a sleight of artful airbrushing.
This preoccupation with image was also reflected in Mussolini’s everyday behavior. He was meticulously concerned with his clothing, grooming, and hairdo, carefully selecting his attire according to the occasion. Mussolini’s fashion-forward approach even included the unconventional use of clothing as a political weapon. During a public speech, Mussolini famously stated: “Clothing is a form of discipline, for it obliges one to remain motionless, and displays one as a living statuary.”
Alexander the Great was a renowned wine connoisseur and a passionate admirer of the grape. His reverence for wine extended far beyond the casual cheer that it brings in one’s daily life. As an accomplished military leader and conqueror, Alexander had witnessed firsthand the conquests of some of the world’s rich wine-producing nations, including Greece, Crete, and western Iran.
Athenaeus, an ancient Greek writer and historian, recorded one such incident that occurred during the drunken binge of Alexander. It was said that after a night-long convivial haze, in which Alexander had downed copious amounts of wine, he grew enraged and attacked his boyhood friend, Cleitus. The quarrel turned tragically violent when Alexander, in a fit of anger, struck Cleitus with a spear, ultimately causing his death. The savagery of this act was witnessed by an array of treasured historical figures, including the philosopher Aristotle.
Emperor Maximilian, who served as the first Emperor of Mexico from 1864 to 1867, was installed into power by Napoleon III’s France. However, the imperial support that the Emperor enjoyed was abruptly withdrawn, and Maximilian was condemned to a heart-wrenching death by a firing squad in June 1867.
King Louis XIV of France, also known as the “Sun King,” was famous for his towering height, especially during the 17th century when the average height of men in Europe was barely 5″4′. To further elongate his already impressive stature, Louis XIV began wearing high-heeled shoes, which at the time was still a novelty among French nobility.
This footwear trend gained popularity during the King’s tenure, and it was often seen as a potent symbol of aristocracy and leadership. Louis XIV’s flamboyant sense of fashion was not limited to footwear; he was equally distinguished by his pompadour hairdo, in which his hair was piled on top of his head and secured with elaborate hairpins. This regal coif was a stylistic nod to Greek mythology, where the divinity Apollo, who epitomized culture and intellect, was said to have fleecy, white hair that was worn atop a noble crown.
Genghis Khan, the legendary founder and Emperor of the Mongol Empire, possessed an exceptional tolerance for alcohol that was almost mythical in proportion. According to accounts recorded by the 13th century Persian historian Rashid-al Din, Genghis Khan could drink extraordinary amounts of liquor and remain completely sober.
Genghis Khan’s drinking contests were infamous, and many tales recount his harrowing feats of fervent drinking. Once, while attending a banquet with his enemies, Genghis Khan was challenged to a drinking competition, where he not only won handily but also humiliated his challenger, forcing him to drink so much that he died soon after. These legendary tales accorded Genghis Khan a reputation for being resilient, fierce, and invulnerable, a facet that contributed to his commanding aura and heroic stature.
