Napoleon Bonaparte's final words, uttered on his deathbed on the remote island of Saint Helena, were "France, the Army, the Head of the Army, Josephine." These poignant phrases encapsulate the core elements that defined his extraordinary life and legacy.
The Final Utterances of an Emperor
Spoken on May 5, 1821, as he succumbed to illness in exile, these words reflect the dominant forces and affections that shaped his life, even in his final moments of delirium. Each part of his last statement carries significant meaning:
| Phrase | Significance |
|---|---|
| France | His beloved homeland, the nation he ruled as Emperor and profoundly reformed through his civil and administrative codes. |
| the Army | The military force through which he rose to power, conquered vast territories, and achieved his most famous victories. |
| the Head of the Army | His identity as a supreme commander, a military genius, and the ultimate leader of the French forces. |
| Josephine | Empress Joséphine de Beauharnais, his first wife and great love, whose memory clearly remained powerful despite their divorce. |
These last words provide a powerful insight into the mind of one of history's most influential figures, revealing his enduring devotion to his country, his military career, and his personal affections.
Legacy and Final Resting Place
After his death, Napoleon's body was initially buried on Saint Helena. However, nearly two decades later, a significant national event occurred when his remains were returned to France.
- In 1840, Napoleon's body was repatriated to France in a grand state ceremony, fulfilling a long-held desire for the Emperor to return to the heart of the nation he had so profoundly influenced.
- His final resting place is a magnificent tomb under the dome of Les Invalides in Paris.
- The site at Les Invalides also serves as the final resting place for other members of his family, including his brothers and his son, further cementing his place in French national memory.
