The Erfurt Latrine Disaster: the grossest, yet most hilarious, way to die in the Middle Ages

Picture this: The year is 1184, and we're in the German city of Erfurt. The Holy Roman Empire, which is neither holy nor Roman nor an empire (thank you, Voltaire), is in turmoil.

To settle some disputes, King Henry VI calls for a meeting of bishops, high-ranking officials, and nobles.

As with all great parties, the host—Archbishop Conrad of Mainz—decides to go all out and throw an epic shindig at the Petersberg Citadel.

The scene is set: a grand feast in a massive hall, a live band (probably not playing anything like "Sweet Caroline"), and, of course, free-flowing wine.

It's a celebration for the ages!

But what's a party without some drama?

Here's where things take a turn for the worse.

As the attendees revel in the festivities, the floor suddenly gives way, sending the partygoers crashing into the latrine beneath the hall.

Yes, you read that right—the floor caved in, and over 60 nobles and clergy members plummeted straight into a literal cesspool.

The stench must have been... well, indescribable.

According to the sources, almost all of them died, either by drowning to death in the sewage or suffocating from the noxious gases.

Now, before you think we're terrible for laughing at such a tragedy, let's remember that the Erfurt Latrine Disaster is almost 1,000 years old.

With centuries between us and the event, we can appreciate the absurdity of the situation.

Plus, there's a lesson in this mess: always double-check the structural integrity of your party venue!

But seriously, can you imagine the scene? One moment, you're in your finest attire, discussing matters of state, and the next, you're swimming in the foulest of substances.

And don't forget the band! We can only hope they didn't fall in too, or that their instruments were somehow spared from the disaster.

It's like the most epic party fail ever. Not only did the whole event collapse (literally), but it also left a lasting impression on history.

In fact, we're still talking about it today! The Erfurt Latrine Disaster reminds us that even the most powerful people can find themselves knee-deep in... well, you know.

We'll never know for sure how the victims of the Erfurt Latrine Disaster felt as they emerged from the muck, but we can't help but chuckle at the image of these dignified nobles dripping with... let's just call it "medieval muck."

We're sure their stories made for some great dinner party conversations afterward.