The unusual death of Hans Steininger: How a 1.4-meter beard led to his tragic end
Hans Steininger, the 16th-century mayor of Braunau am Inn, Austria, is remembered not only for his political skills but also for a death so bizarre that it has cemented his place in history. His extraordinarily long beard, measuring over 1.4 meters (around 4.5 feet), was both a symbol of pride and a unique feature of his appearance. But what was once an impressive hallmark of his life would tragically lead to his untimely demise. In a fateful accident in 1567, Steininger died in a way that shocked his entire community—tripping over his own beard.
