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The Man in the Iron Mask
From 1669 until his death in 1703, a prisoner was held in French prisons with his face always covered by a mask (probably velvet, not iron). His identity was kept secret even from jailers. Theories include Louis XIV's twin brother, a disgraced general, or a man who knew too much.
1669
France
10+ witnesses
The prisoner whose face no one could see.
The Prisoner
Known facts:
- Imprisoned 1669
- Multiple prisons
- Died Bastille 1703
- Face always covered
- Identity concealed
The Mask
What we know:
- Probably velvet
- “Iron” from legend
- Never removed publicly
- Even servants forbidden
- To see his face
The Theories
Who was he:
- Louis XIV’s twin
- Father of Louis XIV
- Duke of Monmouth
- General Vivien de Bulonde
- Count Mattioli
Voltaire’s Claim
Famous theory:
- Louis XIV’s older brother
- Hidden for succession
- Would explain secrecy
- Popularized the story
- Made it legendary
The Treatment
Prisoner conditions:
- Relatively comfortable
- Well-fed
- Good quarters
- Not tortured
- But always masked
The Mystery
Why the secrecy:
- Face too recognizable?
- Royal connection?
- Political danger?
- Embarrassing secret?
- Never revealed