Byzantine emperor Justinian II had his nose cut off in 695 so he could never rule again.
In 705 he took back the throne anyway — reputedly wearing a golden nose.
More amazing facts
- 672 The recipe for Greek fire was guarded so well that it was lost for good.
- 683 · 1968 The 'Palenque astronaut' is a dead Maya king.
- 690 In all of Chinese history only one woman ruled as emperor in her own right.
- 692 Japan's holiest shrine has been torn down and rebuilt every 20 years since 692.
- 705 · 862 A Japanese inn is older than Rus. Nishiyama Onsen Keiunkan has been taking guests since 705 — 157 years before the Varangians were invited to rule — and Guinness lists it as the world's oldest hotel.
- 753 · 762 Staraya Ladoga and Baghdad are near-contemporaries and trading partners.