Top 10 Strangest Monarchs

[@Marco_Onyxheart]

It is said that Caligula's antics with his horse were meant as an insult. It is even been suggested that his plan to make his horse a consul was a misinterpretation of him saying "you're so useless, a horse could do your job".

[@bookashkin]

@Roger Dottin Who cares what Caligula meant? Um, history nerds. Most of the commenters on this page. What brings *you* here?

[@derekscanlan4641]

it bears mention that much of the stuff about Caligula is written by the senators who endured abuses during his reign - not entirely reliable, tho I'm sure there was a significant fire behind the smoke Simon should have included his 'invasion' of Britannia - hilarious stuff!

[@bookashkin]

@@derekscanlan4641 Problem is very little is known about the trip to Britannia. Mostly conjecture. We don't even know whether seashells were meant literally.

[@michaelsommers2356]

Since virtually everything we know about Caligula comes from writers of the senatorial class, which generally despised him (as he did them), the stories about him should be take with a few grains of salt. The same applies to Nero. Which is not to say that either was a saint, just that the stories are probably exaggerated.

[@jenniferbrewer5370]

Which fits in perfectly with Caligula's general arrogance and evil sense of humor.

[@SuperJajaco]

Love Emperor Norton. Sweet story, and he never hurt anyone.

[@-----REDACTED-----]

That Norton chap sounds actually like a nice guy...it is kinda heartwarming that his fellow citizens came to love him so dearly for his eccentricities!

[@americanpride8441]

ssi1991 he actually once at least it is said to have stopped a riot and from a huge group to beat a Chinese immigrant long live emperor norton of the American nation the protector of Mexico and the first and last of his name

[@soapbaker1968]

I thought Norton's story was sweet an entire city banded together to make an old homeless man happy it pretty cool

[@schizoidboy]

He was practically a public servant considering they often had him overlook public buildings and review the city police force. He probably was the most useful celebrity in American history.

[@BigWillyG1000]

Especially since they couldn't treat the poor man. Today we probably have drugs to stop his delusions. The Victorians had not such thing sadly.

[@sandrablanchette2239]

There is an episode of bonanza that features emperor Norton.

[@AlexTrusk91]

@@BigWillyG1000 The Victorian approach on Norton is much more fun tough. Would have been fun to see him building up a new police force called "Norton Scurity" :D

[@bishop51807]

@@sandrablanchette2239 Found it Season 7 Episode 23 "The Emperor Norton"

[@penguinking4830]

I was born in San Francisco. As as a kid I often took shortcuts through the cemeteries. (They give fascinating tours with lots of great stories, should you ever visit.) I frequently passed by Emperor Norton's monument. It is huge and hard to imagine that it was donated for someone who was San Francisco's first crazy homeless guy. People in the area call San Francisco, the City. No one says "Frisco". The City has always had a big heart and endless tolerance for those who walk to a different drum.

[@jenniferbrewer5370]

Even up here in the Sierras San Francisco is called the City.

[@Bigandrewm]

Interesting that the super-strict Friederich Wilhelm I's son went on to become Friedrich The Great, one of Europe's more competent monarchs and a known great patron of the arts.

[@TetraDax]

Yeah, I think just calling Friedrich Wilhelm "strange" doesn't do him justice. While he was indeed very eratic and did abuse the hell out of his son which makes him a piece of trash; he did suceed in militarizing his country. It was him even more than Friedrich II who shaped Prussia into the absolute powerhouse it became, and he drastically shaped Europe for the whole future. Without his army reforms, his son wouldn't have been able to achieve victory against Austria, France and Russia, Prussia would not have played as huge of a part in the Napoleonic wars and afterwards, and Germany would be an entirely different country, probably a lot more Austrian.

[@AnyoneCanSee]

Ludvig II, created the most stunning castles on earth. It may have 'almost bankrupt,' the Kingdom at the time but so did the Taj Mahal and everything else that we now look back on with wonder. I'm, not sure it is 'strange,' to wish to create things of immense beauty. I'd say such people understand that is how you will be remembered by history.

[@oscy3000ds]

Maybe you should write about Juana I. Her life was horrific. She lived incarcerated by his father; then, she abandoned her “family” to marry a man she loved thinking it’d mean freedom. He cheated her, abandoned her and incarcerated her again. She was just used by her father as a tool to expand the empire. She was heartbroken, abandoned and ostracised. What an horrible life.

[@geowynleda4641]

I have always felt sorry for Ludwig II, he didn't want to hurt anyone.

[@Furburn]

Simon, you've gotten so much better over the years. Your shows are always great tho.

[@danielbigham6290]

Emperor Norton was taught in California history class when I was a child in the 70's. I always thought it was funny, especially the way San Francisco citizens humored him.

[@ariaalexandria3324]

Humored? Respected, you mean. And he's no longer taught about in schools at all, which is sad.

[@danielbigham6290]

@@ariaalexandria3324 Yes, I noticed that when I moved to Nevada then moved back 6 years later. Sad, indeed. Colorful characters should be celebrated, not forgotten.

[@annanicholson5309]

I never heard of him

[@rufust.firefly2474]

@@annanicholson5309 well, now you have.

[@user-ml3hl6vr4t]

I also heard of him in the 70's when studying US history. THEN the school got schnockered into buying that infamous US history book where it one paragraph at the start on George Washington, and ended with three and a half pages about Marilyn Monroe. The teacher heavily supplemented it with the previous book.

[@thechosenone1533]

You should have included Muhammad Bin Tughlaq of India. He ordered that copper coins replace gold while being equal in value to it without any seal to avoid forgery. That essentially meant people could turn their utensils into money. He sent 10000 men on a campaign through Himalayas ( it's difficult even with modern technology, just imagine the stupidity of it in 13th century) only 10 men out of 10000 returned. He shifted the capital thousands of miles away ordering everyone from the ministers to beggars to move and then a few years later moved it back after he forgot to make provisions for water in his new capital.

[@mhozayien]

yeah he definitely should've included that one!!

[@sandramorrison99]

HUH?

[@jenniferbrewer5370]

Emperor Norton I deserves to have movies made about him.

[@Lazarus1095]

Neil Gaiman dedicated a whole issue of Sandman to him.

[@optimvsprinceps1845]

Long live the emperor!

[@sunshineNshit]

Nope, can't be made. The only person I could see playing him is Robin Williams 😓

[@ivyyoung521]

@@sunshineNshit 😔✨🙏

[@Jodonho]

Long live Emperor Norton

[@Christinebanks11]

Long live emporer palpatine !

[@LocalHeretic-ck1kd]

Hail Emperor Norton! The best Emperor USA ever had!

[@tomhchappell]

Probably the best monarch ever.

[@joffreybaratheon4904]

I’m technically a monarch... except it’s a criminal empire... that is transnational

[@DustWolphy]

Reminds me primarily of that stupid antivirus. Acted like it owned the place too.

[@BodaciousWench]

The bridge from Oakland to San Francisco is the Emperor Norton Bridge

[@cameronreekie6519]

With regards to the Chinese emperor, just because you’re paranoid, doesn’t mean they’re not out to get you!🤣

[@derekscanlan4641]

the thing about paranoia among ancient rulers is that you normally had to die to find out whether you were right or wrong!

[@troodon1096]

To be fair, his fear was technically well-founded.

[@johnscott2746]

I think they print that on the money in Russia

[@joshuamarvin7400]

I'm pretty sure 'the Mad' is just as common a royal superlative as 'the Great'.

[@Bigandrewm]

Emperor Norton gets a lovingly respectful cameo in Neil Gaiman's Sandman comic "Three Septembers and a January".

[@freonholderlin2941]

And in Robert Anton Wilson and Robert Shea's Illuminatus Trilogy. Also in the movie adaptation of Bukowski's Factotum, Henry Chinaski meets all old rich guy who is writing an opera about Emperor Norton.

[@alicewilloughby4318]

@@freonholderlin2941 There's a Star Trek/Here Come the Brides crossover novel I can't remember the name of where Emperor Norton appears. (I think it may have been by Barbara Hambley)

[@lellow19]

There's a board game based on Ludwig's castles. It's one of my favorites! Castles of Mad King Ludwig!

[@TicTacYo100]

Ludwig II was too innocent for this world.

[@chadpatrick5112]

Strangest pronunciation of Schloss Neuschwanstein that I have ever heard.

[@MysteriousMose]

is that what he meant?

[@lincolnpaul1814]

Chad Patrick he mispronounced the name, even people speaking flawless Oxford English doesn’t pronounce Neuschwanstein in such a manner

[@Kalckie]

Yes, but he mispronunced it in an unintentionally funny way. It sounded like "Neuwahnstein" which would translate to something akin of "Newdelusionstone" or "Newmadrock".

[@paulstandeven8572]

No, it's a joke in a language foreign to Simon, not a bilingual joke. Just getting in before the nit-pickers.....

[@SilentTristerosEmpire]

It is beyond sad that the Bay Bridge is not named after Emperor Norton I. And he is spot on about "Frisco".

[@ariaalexandria3324]

Emperor Norton is amazing still. At one point, when there were anti-Chinese riots, he placed himself between rioters hell-bent on killing some Chinese people, and those Chinese people they planned to kill. He started speaking the Lord's Prayer, and, due to the respect the city and literally EVERYONE in it had for him, that particular riot ended. I think he was the sane one there, and everyone else was out of their minds. It's appalling to me that nothing about him is taught in schools. He's a fantastic role model, and was kind to everyone, and against mean acts, and very peaceful. It wasn't by accident that the entire city came to revere him. The Bay Bridge really needs to be renamed after him. Oakland is jealous of not having the claim to Emperor Norton, and so won't agree. Oaktown, I love you and you've got two of my favorite sporting teams, but get over it. Let the bridge be properly named.

[@bojanglesthewizard6188]

Agreed. I didnt even know about him, and I assume most people didnt until watching this video, about Norton. He definitely should be taught just as a little fun piece of American history in schools, and colleges

[@bobwalsh3751]

So would it be the Norton Bridge or the Emperor Norton Bridge?

[@blueskull7496]

All for a peace loving Emperor those are rare and far inbetween

[@littledikkins2]

@@bobwalsh3751 I lived in Oakland as a child and I'd support The Emperor Norton Bridge.

[@SuperJajaco]

Would make a great movie, starring Tom Hanks

[@SlashinatorZ]

The dictator of Molossia visited the grave of Emperor Norton a few days ago

[@damenwhelan3236]

"President"

[@IhaveaDoghouse]

@@damenwhelan3236 is that supposed to be a correction? If he is not elected then he is a dictator, even if its over his own house lol

[@leonardy2046]

im planning an invasion soon. don't tell anyone

[@rufust.firefly2474]

@@leonardy2046 not without the consent of Emperor Norton the first

[@setsunaeien7480]

Yee something that I know about Micronation obsessions can be useful sometimes...

[@AlexS-oj8qf]

5:29 Another Slander, Ludwig never use the state's fund he always use his personal fund, bankrupting the Wittelsbach family.

[@captainanopheles4307]

'Ascetic who liked sleeping in barracks with soldiers' Those are some wide lines to read between.

[@darkamora5123]

Except he said, "An ascetic who liked to sleep in the soldier's barracks". In other words he liked to sleep in a plain room not opulence. It merely highlights his ascetic nature. How we perceive things says more about us than we like.

[@Glaedrein]

This Caligula guy seems crazy. Who replaced him? Oh... Claudius? Well how about... Oh, then Nero. Okay

[@jenniferbrewer5370]

They had a habit of promoting to the height of incompetence.

[@tomasvlcek4476]

Claudius was a competent ruler!

[@wels2342]

@@tomasvlcek4476 but he's between two crazy rulers...

[@mitchellgeorge6031]

George III was actually one of Britain’s greatest monarchs as he facilitated the Industrial Revolution, the ascent into Britain’s imperial century, and was renown for his kindness and compassion which helped spur reforms under his reign

[@The-Khandor-of-Kalakuta]

#5- Oh, if Norton only saw his beloved 'Frisco now, the nick name issue would only pale in comparison...

[@Mike-tg7dj]

Is it true that people crap on the sidewalks?

[@hannahl8081]

Mike 1958 Yes

[@penguinking4830]

@@Mike-tg7dj Rarely.

[@lemaygaming6952]

It has the strongest economy of any state.

[@al_pastorbradley8647]

@@Mike-tg7dj mostly heroine needles

[@russellwatkins854]

Having read and heard a bit on Ludwig the II, I am not positive saying he nearly bankrupted the country is accurate. He did cut a very large dent into his family's enormous fortune and his personal finances were not great (by monarch standards), but by building those castles he essentially created a large public works project providing jobs for many folks all over Bavaria which arguably improved the overall the economy.

[@Nokturnaldeath]

We need you now more than ever Emperor Norton ! 2020!

[@LoneLegend-kq6oj]

I'm mad i just subscribed.this guy is awesome

[@alm5992]

I laughed so hard at #2! That cannon alarm clock xDDDD

[@venomouscantaloupe7152]

Why does “sheltered lives and the adverse effects of inbreeding” totally sound like a grunge album?

[@JamesLaserpimpWalsh]

And the band would be called Miss Piggy's Ovarian Cyst. heh

[@jeremyjohnson9585]

That sounds a bit more Tech-Death to me, LOL.

[@brantleyhester6641]

Damn I'm late. Stupid work, having to go to work and stuff, missing out on Toptenz. Not like I could just watch this anytime because it's just gonna be there or something

[@jaspr1999]

I do love San Francisco's residents' treatment of Norton the First. He may have been delusional, but to get that kind of support, he had to be a pretty kind fellow.

[@jaspr1999]

@Ken Hudson - Me too!

[@freewilliam93]

5:30 i LOVE that castle! Had a miniature of it when i was a kid.

[@brandonream4049]

Hooked on this channel, been subscribed forever!!!! Keep it up!

[@spaeracount5160]

That Caligula is on here but Nero is not is the true madness above all else, one can easily explain Caligula as a cruel sociopath that enjoyed mocking the senate, you can find no such explanation for Nero however.

[@AhSatan]

I'm surprised Nero wasn't on this list. Yeah, Caligula was nuts but Nero was on a whole new level of insanity.

[@jeanettecooper1582]

Thanks for adding our beloved Emperor Norton from this Central Californian gal . He is still remembered here . Also he is referred to in several author's publications including Neal Gaimen and Christopher Moore . Both authors highly recommended .

[@muhammadshuvo4321]

Making horse a prist is better then making donkey a president.

[@flashgordon3715]

Refering to San Francisco as "Frisco" is still highly offensive. Frisco after all is a small town in Texas

[@xwtfbobx697]

And as everyone knows everything is bigger in Texas... Except Frisco that is 😟

[@penguinking4830]

And Colorado, New Mexico, Alabama, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Utah.

[@flashgordon3715]

But not California!

[@Monsuco]

@@penguinking4830 Yeah, but the combined street feces in all of those Frisco's combined comes nowhere close to the amount of street feces in San Francisco.

[@hydrolito]

He should know better than to insult Texans.

[@kristoferalexander7559]

Love your videos as always, just one complaint... Or question rather. You said in a video recently (I cant remember which one) that the whole making a Horse a Consul thing was probably more likely him telling someone "You're so useless I may as well make my horse Consul'' or something along those lines. Eitherway you yourself said it was highly doubtful that actually occured. So my question is why have you mentioned it in a way that almost seems factual in this video? :/

[@unclejoe7466]

Simon reads a script, then goes home to mix a drink. Facts and consistency are not his concern.

[@WillKrcelic]

Uncle Joe: I think he starts with a mixed drink then makes the video.

[@unclejoe7466]

@@WillKrcelic LOL! Could be.

[@jakeand9020]

Cocaine... Allegedly It's a joke, if you don't get it, that just means you're not a legend.

[@Yourname942]

3:52 he would probably be a gamer who plays mmo's (not that its bad) but I could picture him experiencing different game worlds

[@robertnett9793]

About Ludwig II of Bavaria: His spleens weren't the issue for the Bavarian gouvernment. It was his habbit of spending millions and emptying the treasury. What ultimately let to his impeachment was, when he literally sold his vote to make the Prussian King Emperor for a few millions... Just so he could built his dream-castle of Neuschwanstein....

[@replecon1408]

Thanks again for covering the basics ,

[@jordaneggerman4734]

The horse-as-consul thing is frequently considered an embellishment. Its attributed to several Roman Emperors, but I believe the line, when colloquially translated, reads "you lot are so stupid, I may as well make my horse consul"

[@PurplePinkRed]

Definitely the most suitable number one pick. Great work!

[@AriaHoran]

Zhengde crazy for wanting his servants to dress the court like a city street, along which he could walk like a normal citizen/subject, with his subjects acting the parts of vendors and passers-by? I f you have seen "The Last Emperor" or read the books upon which it is based (eg "Twilight in the Forbidden City") being Emperor was as much fun as performing DIY dentistry upon yourself. The guy was sending out some pretty serious calls for help there.

[@toonbat]

One look at Elizabeth Bathory's monstrously epic collar, and you just knew she was a fiendish supervillain.

[@MoYvStarkey]

Emperor Norton is such a character. We love him. If you go to the Palace Hotel, you can see a big painting of him and his dog.

[@Colddirector]

Caligula's musings about making his horse a Consul was likely more to humiliate and anger his senate than legitimate madness. Most of his senate would cut off a limb to be a consul, so Caligula deciding his horse deserves the honour would've been the ultimate slap in the face.

[@anonymouslyfamousdude880]

Ceaser (the first one I think) was completely insane, and was known to do some pretty messed up stuff. Then of course there was Nero. The picture of sanity on opposite day.

[@sandymckenna9727]

Great video as always ❤️

[@InfamousMedia]

King Ludwig 2nd of Bavaria sounds intriguing. Sounds like he could’ve made his kingdom into a mystical land of castles and art

[@djtae808]

Very enjoyable. Great list 👍

[@kelly2fly]

This should also be titled "most psychotic monarch".

[@craigh5236]

So....Fredrick II was just Tormund Giantsbane right?

[@arturs2436]

On 3:05 the painting isnt of Frederick II("Frederick the Great")but of Frederick William II of Prussia(FWI grandson).

[@r01d2]

time when title "The Mad" was a common name

[@davidringmann3395]

Juana was Queen of Castile & Leon and by birth a Trastamara

[@FrankBergdoll]

Something that struck me as odd was how many years some of these monarchs ruled!

[@Naptosis]

It's insane to me too that Queen Elizabeth II (I of Scotland) has lived and reigned for so long. Thank the Lord that she is sane, empathetic, and willing to pull up her sleeves and muck in with the Commoners in desperate times (during WW2 she worked as a mechanic and a military driver to support the war effort). She's reigned for 66 years, and seen everything from the Rise of Industry, London razed, the vast British Empire being incinerated to defeat fascism, to the UK becoming a nuclear power, the creation of the Internet; interlinking most minds on the planet, and finally peace reigning in Europe. I'm a republican, but the Kingdom is lucky to have her, and it will be a sore day when she meets her maker.

[@sventer198]

Eccentric - crazy rich person. Mentally ill - middle class crazy person. Insane - poor crazy person.

[@MyRegardsToTheDodo]

Britain had some very insane monarchs, one for example refused to bathe entirely, whenever he came to a castle and slept there they afterwards had to burn the bedsheets. And once he took off his shoe and his little toe fell off.

[@londonman5873]

Haha whom?

[@STAROMEGA54]

Alternate title another topten stories that should became movies 😎

[@STAROMEGA54]

@Ken Hudson true but that movie believe it or not is more porn than real movie its weird but look it up.

[@STAROMEGA54]

@Ken Hudson A shame though it wasn't supposed to be but thats what happens when penthouse magazine is producing it.

[@STAROMEGA54]

@Ken Hudson Riding naked on a mechanical bull and wearing that native American headdress thats really looks bad on him i say disaster averted.

[@BertGrink]

I was cleaning my spectacles when i noticed the thumbnail and title on the main page; thanks to my slightly impaired vision i misread the title as "Top 10 Strangest Moustaches"

[@ingolfleiblle6661]

BertyFromDK An idea to Pick up for further elaboration!

[@annat634]

So what your telling me is Caligula was a ancient Roman horse girl???

[@sea_triscuit7980]

#9 (Wilhelm) is like Kim Jong Un with his personal guard. All being taller and more attractive than others in his military. He hand selected them for their height, appearance and strength haha

[@Lady_Chalk]

Awww I love Emp Norton!

[@markboon2024]

"drowned while drunk" sounds like code for bumped off.

[@chriscampbell7895]

Mark Boon Possibly with Ludwig

[@jeanettecooper1582]

After reading a bunch of comments , Simon , how's about a Bio on The ole Emperor Norton ?

[@dpeters9897]

Caligulas Horse.....citizen of Rome AND an awesome band. Who knew?!

[@ElsieCanDo]

Love that this has "chapter breaks".

[@Oocki]

Make Top 10 best/normal Monarchs! and if there is link.

[@thomrobitaille3942]

It's surprising that you could find several minutes of footage from Caligula to add to your video and at the same time dodge the censors. That's a lot of pausing and rewinding! Love your videos.

[@FMR------------------psst]

@17.13 Ancient Origin deserves more love and subs and likes they have a KZbin channel!

[@void_presence]

there are 3 board games based on King Ludwig: 'Castles of Mad King Ludwig', 'Palace of Mad King Ludwig', and 'Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig' :) (I have all 3)

[@AdZS848]

King George III strangest behaviour: naming his pillow Prince Octavius.

[@unclepatrick2]

Caligula is a more complex character then this video makes him out to be. Yes he was mentally ill by the third year of his reign but many of the stories attributed to him are exaggerated. The Story of the Horse is a perfect example. Caligula got upset with the Senate and told some Senators that he thought his horse would be a better choice then some of the men serving This story about a man who clearly making a joke has been turn into him putting his horse in the Senate, That event never happen.

[@kevinrussell2718]

I can imagine the story of Emporer Norton 1 being made into a movie as a screwball comedy.

[@wannabehistorian371]

That would be amazing.

[@ShawnChang6453]

Caligula : I shall name my horse the Roman's Official Consul People : This is MADNESS Several thousand years later..... "Our train station master is a cat" "Welcome to XXX, here's our manager, the Bear" "Try hotel XXX, our receptionists are a pair of raptors."

[@LLzChill]

You guys do a fantastic job!! Simon I promise not to have a go at you about any pronunciations!! Lol Keep up the great work!!

[@Little-Sparrow]

I'm sure I could listen to you read the phone book aloud Simon! 😍😍😍 fab video! Big thumbs up 👍

[@PiusOnes]

wow it hits me every time that caligular was emporer for 4 years. what a life

[@juppukun]

Emperor Norton is the 5th. Hail Eris. Be like Emperor Norton.

[@blakhorizon915]

Sugarcube?!?!? I'm literally crying right now!!

[@leechmiller1072]

I love stories about insane rulers from days of yore.

[@bojanglesthewizard6188]

What's very interesting about Norton is he called for a bridge or tunnel to be built to connect San Francisco and Oakland

[@Aeturnalis]

I love the butchery of the Proper noun "Schloss Neuschwanstein." (It's /ʃlɔs nɔʏ̯-ʃvaːn-ʃtaɪn/, like Shloss-Noy-Shvahn-Shtine) You have earned a thumbs up.

[@robertmosher7418]

Love your videos.

[@dotlaj]

And I thought I knew some crazy people 😄😅😆

[@JosephSantoro]

You will get a lot of dirty looks in San Francisco if you call it 'frisco' to this day, so Emperor Norton was on to something with that one too!

[@Mark_Goddin]

10:19 no. That’s completely understandable. As a California Bay Area native, if you call it ‘Frisco or “San Fran”, then you will not be taken seriously until you’ve paid for your transgressions.

[@thomasnieswandt8805]

Ludwig II was called insane, before he could finish Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle is about 50% complete. With a few modifications, The Disneycastle is what Neuschwanstein would look like, if he had a few more years. Fun fact. Neuschwanstein is the only, not modern, castle that got a steelroof and telefonsystem right from the drawing ;)

[@elvisgw]

The 1st emporer of China wasn’t weird. If I was the 1st I’d be paranoid about my death

[@jacqueplett1800]

Aegon Targarian. Oh wait, wrong channel.

[@the-chillian]

It is PERFECTLY RATIONAL to fine anyone rash enough to refer to the great city of San Francisco by the abominable "Frisco", as anyone who lives there can tell you. List should have included Charles II of Spain and Elagabalus.

[@ComaDave]

Emperor Pelagius Septim III.

[@MrsShocoTaco]

My town had a 350 lb female named Sugarcube. She gave all the little kids rides at the local festivals 🐴🐎

[@PirateNikki]

I think this might be my favorite video I've seen on this channel. Lol very well done. Add history and royalty and crazy asses = some of my favorite things. Especially since I hadn't heard of quite a few of these.