Have you ever imagined being so desperate you’d consume a Prime Minister? This might seem far-fetched, but in 1672, the citizens of Denmark found themselves in such a situation.
History is filled with tales of leaders committing dreadful acts, but it’s uncommon to find stories where the situation is reversed.
During the Rampjaar, or the disaster year, both England and France declared war on the Dutch Republic in the Third Anglo-Dutch War and the Franco-Dutch war, respectively.
This proved to be a challenging period for Johan de Witt, who stood out as one of the rare non-royal rulers in Europe at that time.
Johan de Witt, a mathematician and statesman, governed his country for nearly two decades. He was a significant political figure during the First Stadtholderless Period, a time that saw prosperity and led to the Dutch Golden Age.
Unfortunately, he openly opposed the royal House of Orange’s claim to governance, which did not sit well with some.
William of Orange, who had ambitions to lead the Dutch States Party, along with his supporters, known as Orangists, were not pleased with de Witt’s stance.
While not confirmed, there are speculations that William of Orange may have spurred a mob against de Witt after the Dutch Republic was coerced into aligning with England, France, and certain German states which intended to invade.
With so many events unfolding in a short span, public confidence in their leader waned.
De Witt was first attacked with a knife on June 21 and subsequently retired shortly after on August 4.
However, his adversaries aimed to remove him permanently, leading to a planned assault.
His brother, Cornelis de Witt, was seized and tortured by Orangists, resulting in his exile.
Before being exiled, Johan de Witt ventured just steps from his home to bid his brother farewell at the jail where he was detained.
Tragically, the two brothers were ambushed, captured, tortured, and lynched in The Hague. Reports suggest that the Orangists even roasted and consumed their livers.
Who assumed leadership afterward?
William of Orange stepped into the leadership role a mere six days after de Witt’s assassination, as the States of Holland sought to restore order amidst rising chaos from numerous mobs.
On social media, some users were puzzled, with one questioning whether someone meant “beaten” instead of “eaten” in their account of events.
Others expressed disbelief over the reports of Orangists consuming their opponent’s liver.
Strange actions can occur during tumultuous times, it seems.