Napoleon Crowns Himself: A New French Empire Rises
Napoleon Bonaparte snatched the crown from Pope Pius VII's hands to place it on his own head at Notre Dame Cathedral, shattering the illusion that papal authority sanctioned his rule. This bold act cemented his absolute power and established a new imperial dynasty that would dominate Europe for over a decade.
December 2, 1804
222 years ago
Key Figures & Places
What Else Happened on December 2
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