Renaissance & Early Modern
9 figures from the Renaissance & Early Modern and their final words
Explorers & Adventurers 1512
Amerigo Vespucci
“His final words are not recorded.”
Malaria Age 57
Royalty & Nobility 1715
Louis XIV
“Why do you weep? Did you think I was immortal?”
Gangrene Age 76
Royalty & Nobility 1821
Napoleon Bonaparte
“France, army, head of the army, Joséphine.”
Stomach cancer Age 51
Military & Warriors 1776
Nathan Hale
“I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”
Hanging Age 21
Artists & Writers 1527
Niccolò Machiavelli
“I desire to go to Hell and not to Heaven. In Hell I shall enjoy the company of popes, kings and princes.”
Illness Age 58
Explorers & Adventurers 1617
Pocahontas
“No last words were recorded.”
Unknown illness — possibly tuberculosis or pneumonia Age 21
Outlaws & Criminals 1535
Sir Thomas More
“I die the King's good servant, but God's first.”
Execution by beheading Age 57
Explorers & Adventurers 1618
Sir Walter Raleigh
“Strike, man, strike!”
Execution by beheading Age 66
Religious Figures 1540
Thomas Cromwell
“I die in the traditional faith of Holy Church.”
Beheading Age 55