Stuff You Should Know: Short Stuff - Erfurt Latrine Disaster

Release Date: November 27, 2024

Introduction

In the "Short Stuff" episode of Stuff You Should Know, hosts Josh and Chuck delve into the bizarre and grim tale of the Erfurt Latrine Disaster. This detailed summary captures their exploration of medieval politics, architectural flaws, and the possible myth surrounding this historical event.

Historical Context: Thuringia in 1184 CE

The story unfolds in Thuringia, a central region in modern-day Germany, during the high Middle Ages. In 1184 CE, Thuringia was a significant hub of power, governed by influential figures whose disputes would inadvertently lead to disaster.

Chuck introduces the setting:

"We're going to go all the way back to 1184 CE, nearly a thousand years ago... in Thuringia, which is a state that's still around in Germany, almost smack dab in the center of modern-day Germany." ([00:24])

The Dispute Between Ludwig III and Conrad of Wittelsbach

At the heart of the tale is a conflict between two powerful men: Ludwig III, the Landgrave (Prince) of Thuringia, and Conrad of Wittelsbach, the Archbishop of Mainz. The exact cause of their dispute remains lost to history, but its ramifications were profound.

Chuck elaborates:

"We don't know exactly why... what matters is during this time, this is the high Middle Ages... the King of Germany... was on a campaign to lobby different rulers... to change the line of succession for the Holy Roman Emperor." ([01:24])

King Einrich’s Succession Plan

King Einrich the 6th, who would later become the Holy Roman Emperor, sought to alter the succession rules to prioritize bloodlines over papal coronation. This ambitious plan aimed to consolidate his power by reducing the Pope's influence in imperial affairs. Despite significant resistance, Einrich managed to garner substantial support across the kingdom, with Thuringia being one of the last strongholds of dissent.

The Hoftag and the Erfurt Latrine Layout

To address the lingering opposition in Thuringia, Einrich seized the opportunity presented by the dispute between Ludwig and Conrad. In July 1184, he convened a Hoftag—an informal assembly—in the capital city of Erfurt at the Petersburg Citadel, a fortress established approximately 15 years earlier.

Chuck notes:

"A Hoftag is just like an assembly, like an informal assembly, not a formal meeting... it was held at Petersburg Citadel, which was a fortress there in Erfurt, still there today." ([03:54])

The layout of the citadel, particularly its latrine design, played a pivotal role in the ensuing disaster. Medieval latrines were typically grimy, with wooden seats over cesspools that required annual cleaning. The Petersburg Citadel's latrine was located in the basement, directly beneath the floor where the Hoftag was held.

The Latrine Disaster

During the Hoftag, the floor above the latrine collapsed, plunging hundreds of attendees into the cesspool below. While historical records mention 60 to 100 fatalities, it's believed that the actual death toll was significantly higher due to the presence of numerous nobles and their entourages.

Chuck describes the chaos:

"The floor actually collapsed and sent a lot of people into the cesspool below. They say that between 60 and 100 people died... ostensibly hundreds of people died from falling into the cesspool." ([10:19])

Victims likely drowned or were suffocated under the weight of those trying desperately to escape the filthy water. Additionally, the oppressive stench, primarily from ammonia, could have caused respiratory failures, as noted by one source:

"Someone may have died from stench... respiratory arrest and died." ([12:24])

Survival of the Major Players

Remarkably, the primary figures involved in the dispute—Heinrich (Einrich), Conrad, and Ludwig—survived the catastrophe. Their survival is attributed to sheer luck, with records indicating that they either avoided the compromised alcoves or were elsewhere during the collapse.

Chuck reflects on their survival:

"What's astounding is that all three of the major players... all survived. That's... just dumb luck, basically." ([13:09])

Heinrich's survival had profound historical implications, as he later became the Holy Roman Emperor and wielded extensive influence across Europe.

Historical Significance of the Event

Heinrich's rise to power following the disaster reshaped the political landscape of Europe. His expanded influence included becoming the King of Burgundy, Italy, and Sicily, as well as exerting control over England by holding Richard the Lionheart hostage.

Chuck highlights Heinrich's achievements:

"He went on to become Holy Roman Emperor... he became the king of Burgundy, Italy, and Sicily... overlord of England because he captured Richard I hostage." ([14:13])

This power consolidation had lasting effects on the feudal dynamics and political alliances of the time.

Questioning the Historicity: Possible Hoax

Despite the captivating narrative, doubts about the veracity of the Erfurt Latrine Disaster persist. Chuck points out the absence of mentions on the Petersburg Citadel's official records and notes the story's questionable origins.

Chuck muses:

"If it's made up, it has become fact so thoroughly... historians write about this kind of thing... we just kind of stopped talking about the disaster." ([15:09])

Further investigation revealed that the tale might have originated from a fictional account by a seven-year-old German in 2018, casting serious doubts on its authenticity.

Chuck concludes:

"Good story. It was written by a seven-year-old German, apparently... Short Stuff is out." ([15:22])

Conclusion

The Short Stuff episode on the Erfurt Latrine Disaster presents a fascinating blend of medieval politics, architectural mishaps, and historical intrigue. While the story encapsulates the perilous nature of medieval assemblies and the profound impact of seemingly minor events, its dubious origins invite listeners to question the thin line between history and myth. Whether fact or fiction, the tale serves as a compelling reminder of the complexities and uncertainties inherent in historical narratives.

Notable Quotes:

• Chuck on the latrine design:

  "In this particular Petersburg citadel, it didn't work like that at all... the latrine was in the basement... the floor actually collapsed and sent a lot of people into the cesspool below." ([10:19])

• Chuck on Heinrich's influence:

  "He went on to become Holy Roman Emperor... overlord of England because he captured Richard I hostage." ([14:13])

• Chuck on the possible hoax:

  "Good story. It was written by a seven-year-old German, apparently... we just kind of stopped talking about the disaster." ([15:22])

This episode underscores the importance of scrutinizing historical sources and remains a testament to the enduring fascination with medieval lore and its tales of triumph and tragedy.