Emperor Facts

According to the Roman historian Suetonius, Emperor Claudius considered passing a decree allowing people to pass gas at dinner parties after learning of a man who endangered his health by holding it in out of politeness.

Emperor Ashoka of India, who ruled from 268-232 BCE, underwent a dramatic transformation after converting to Buddhism. He issued edicts carved into rocks and pillars across his empire that promoted animal welfare, limited executions, established hospitals for humans and animals, and advocated religious tolerance - making him one of the most progressive ancient rulers.

Farmers near Xi'an, China were digging a well in March 1974 when their shovels hit a buried clay head. It led to the Terracotta Army: an estimated 8,000 soldiers, of which only 2,000 have been dug up so far. They guard the 2,200-year-old tomb of China's first emperor, a tomb that has never been opened. Ancient writers said it holds rivers of mercury, and soil tests found the mercury is real.