John I of France: The Unlucky King

John I of France, also known as John the Posthumous, was a French King who had the unfortunate fate of being born after his father’s death. Born four months after the death of his father, King Louis X of France, John I entered the world as a king, but with no father to guide him.

Despite his unlucky start in life, John I had an interesting and colorful reign. He was only five days old when he was crowned King of France, making him the youngest person ever to hold the title. However, his reign was shorter than his infancy, lasting only five days thanks to a rare cockfighting accident.

Yes, you read that right. John I’s reign was cut short due to a bizarre incident at his coronation. A group of courtiers had organized a cockfight to celebrate John I’s ascension to the throne. However, the enthusiastic fighting cocks got out of control and ended up attacking the young king, pecking and scratching him to death.

Despite his incredibly brief time as king, John I made a few important contributions to the history of France. He was the first king to be buried in the royal necropolis in Saint-Denis, a tradition that continued for centuries. He also inspired a popular French saying: “born to reign for five days like John the Posthumous.”

John I’s reign may have been short, but he will always be remembered as a king who met an untimely and absurd end.