Duke of Savoy's Surprise Attack on Geneva Fails
Three hundred sixty-seven Savoyard soldiers climbed ladders against Geneva's walls at 2 a.m., thinking the city would fall in an hour. A cauldron of hot vegetable soup changed everything. Catherine Cheynel, a 60-year-old mother, dumped it on a climber's head, killing him instantly. Her neighbors woke up swinging. Twelve Savoyards died inside the walls, including their commander. The rest fled, abandoning their ladders and leaving Geneva independent for good. Today, Swiss kids still smash chocolate cauldrons with wooden spoons each December, celebrating the night when housewares defeated an empire.
December 11, 1602
424 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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