Whipping the Emperor's Corpse - The Death, Burial and Monument of Maximilian I

Maximilian I was the Habsburg Holy Roman Emperor who cemented his family's fortunes and built the foundations of a pan-European empire. Constantly travelling during his reign, he died in 1519 an exhausted man. This video explores the curious provisions he made in his will for his burial and the extraordinary monument erected in his memory by his descendants.

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[danielkarmy]

A rarity in modern times, as in times past - a genuinely good, faithful man, who lived, and died, in this manner. Rest well, Maximilian, I hope these have been 524 years of bliss. 🙂

[josefrietveld]

Splendid video. Maximillian stood with one leg in the middle ages and with his other leg in modernity. He was dedicated to live a honourable, christian knight's life. Tournaments, armoury, horses, jousting - the full monty. Hence his nickname in austria "der letzte Ritter" (the last knight).

[sweptashore]

The symbolism Maximilian I chose as his life ended is compelling. Paintings of him in failing health, no embalming -- so much emphasis on the body itself being temporal, frail, and -- ultimately -- an empty vessel. It's very touching that his heart was removed and placed with his first wife.

On the other hand, he envisioned a grand memorial to commemorate his accomplishments as the emperor. The man certainly understood how to convey a message.

[OldSarge]

...wow...a wonderful treatment of a, frankly, macabre but interesting subject, touching upon a monumentally important figure. Very thorough treatment of the empty tomb of the man. Kudos.

[ChrisHunt]

What a wonderful monument. Some of those portraits are not very flattering. I love their names - the mad or the handsome. Intriguing. Perhaps handsome meant something else in those times. Always lots to enjoy in your videos Allan. ❤🎉👍🙏

[thoughtfulhistorytoday]

The world could use a few leaders like Maximilian right now. Thank you so much Dr. Barton for this well researched and enjoyable video.

[Stixensteiner]

Thank you Dr. Barton for sharing your knowledge and travels with us.

[rhiannonpoole]

That's a very impressive tomb, and an interesting run through the life of Maximilian - for all his position and power he doesn't seem to have been by any measure happy. To me, though, the moment in the video that hit was the shot of the chapel destroyed by Allied bombing. I lived in Coventry for some years and it's salutary to remember that our cathedral wasn't alone in being attacked. Thank you for an excellent video.

[David.M.]

As an American, I am impressed with the arc of European history. I am ignorant of so much of it. You and the magazine should help me learn a few bits of it. Thanks

[a-]

This tomb is indeed as you say, a tour de force. I have never seen anything like it. The gilded trelliswork alone is beyond beautiful. And each and every bronze statue seem so full of vitality. Thank you Allan for showing us this marvel.

[deniseatkins]

Wow what magnificent work was done to remember him. When I saw the title I was expecting something different thought he was whipped for being a horrible person not on his own request

[annettewillis]

Insightful and deeply interesting expose of the life and death of Maximilian. He certainly achieved so much in his life whilst enduring quite a few trials and tribulations. Falls from horses often were the cause of death and enduring pain! His tomb is a Tour de Force. That his coffin survived the bombing of the church and the ravages of time are miracles in themselves!

[carolinegreenwell]

interesting to know they had problems getting reliable workmen in those days too

[judycater]

Not a particularly happy life but a devout one. I hope it gave him comfort to know his wishes would be obeyed. Great video; thank you. ❤

[Floortile]

how extraordinary to complete a tomb for a man long buried elsewhere - and not going to me moved. You would have thought that one of Maximilian’s descendants might, in such circumstances, have taken the tomb for himself.

[kaybrown]

His poor son inherited that infamous Habsburg jaw!

The third child on the group painting beside his 2 grandsons is Louis II. King of Hungary husband of the emperor’s granddaughter Mary of Austria.

[MTCason]

For me, his amazing monumental tomb in Innsbruck is the most incredible in Europe. There is nothing else to compare with it in the world outside of the lost tomb of Constantine the Great and the still buried tomb of Qin Shi Huang in China.

[nunocbnunocb]

Maximilian was a close parent of Mary of Burgundy, from their common ancestor John I of Portugal.

[Parianparlay]

What wonderful paintings we have of these people, magnificent Roman noses! A brilliant treatment of a very interesting time in history . Thank you very much, thoroughly enjoyed it!