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Kaspar Hauser Mystery
In 1828, a teenage boy appeared in Nuremberg claiming to have been raised in a dark cell. He could barely walk or speak. Despite becoming a celebrity, his origins were never discovered. He was murdered in 1833, taking his secrets to the grave. His identity remains one of history's greatest mysteries.
1828
Nuremberg, Germany
1000+ witnesses
The foundling who came from nowhere.
The Appearance
May 26, 1828:
- Nuremberg, Germany
- Teenage boy appeared
- Could barely walk
- Limited speech
- Carried a letter
His Story
What he claimed:
- Raised in dark cell
- Fed bread and water
- Never saw captor’s face
- No education
- Total isolation
The Investigation
Who was he:
- Possibly royal heir
- Baden throne claimant?
- Feral child?
- Impostor?
- Never proven
His Murder
December 14, 1833:
- Stabbed in chest
- By unknown attacker
- In court garden
- Died three days later
- Assassin never found
The Theories
Possible identity:
- Prince of Baden
- Hidden heir
- Pathological liar
- Self-inflicted wound
- Political pawn
The Legacy
Cultural impact:
- Plays and films
- Books written
- DNA tests (inconclusive)
- Symbol of isolation
- Enduring mystery