AskHistorians

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What is the average lifespan of an accent? Are there some accents that have remained relatively the same for thousands of years?	777
Charles VI of France famously went mad in the Forest of Le Mans (1392) and slew one of his knights, known as the Bastard of Polignac. Who was this knight and why does his name survive with the story?	450
Ludwig II of Bavaria was mysteriously found drowned in Lake Wurm (1886) along with a psychiatrist who, just the day before, had him deposed from rule due to medical reasons. The official ruling was suicide; but, what were the alternative theories?	130
Basil I, Byzantine Emperor, was said to have died of a fever following a hunting accident (886 AD) when a stag reportedly dragged him 16 miles by his belt buckle. It’s accepted now that he was more likely assassinated by his “son” Leo VII. Are there any accounts of what actually occurred?	57
Kamehameha I of Hawaii, while raiding Puna (1782), was clubbed with an oar by a fisherman named Kaleleiki. Later Kaleleiki was spared by the king who created the "Law of The Splintered Oar" in his honor. Who was Kaleleiki and did he receive any additional honors?	41
The Cadaver Synod (January, 897) was a posthumous trial for the exhumed corpse of Pope Formosus ending with the corpse being thrown into theTiber River. Public outcry reached its high point when it was reported his body was recovered and performing miracles. Do we know anything about the miracles?	22
When did the condition Paruresis (being "pee shy") become a noted phenomenon?	6
A Greek Initiate (4th Century AD) in the Greater Eleusinian Mysteries has just walked out of the Telesterion. What are we historically certain this individual just saw?	5
Since it's the season, does anyone have any knowledge on how far back the eating of Soft Shell Crab can be traced?	1

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