Charles II's Autopsy Catalogued Decay

Spanish King Charles II died in Madrid on November 1, 1700, at age 38 after years of poor health. His autopsy described a heart the size of a peppercorn, corroded lungs, rotten and gangrenous intestines, one coal-black testicle, and a head filled with water. The final observation suggests hydrocephalus, although researchers still debate the causes of Charles's illnesses. His childless death ended Habsburg rule in Spain and helped trigger the War of the Spanish Succession in 1701.

Previous Fact Next Fact