Napoleon dies in exile on Saint Helena

Background. Following his defeat at Waterloo and abdication, Napoleon was exiled to Saint Helena in the South Atlantic. He resided at Longwood House from December 1815. His entourage gradually diminished, leaving him with a small retinue including physician François Carlo Antommarchi. Napoleon circulated reports of poor treatment hoping to influence public opinion against his exile.

Health Decline. Napoleon's health deteriorated significantly during his exile. By March 1821, he was confined to bed. His condition worsened until his death on 5 May 1821. The reported cause was internal bleeding resulting from stomach cancer, a disease that had previously killed his father. This diagnosis was confirmed by separate autopsy reports from his physician and British authorities.

Immediate Aftermath. Napoleon's will stated his desire to die in the Roman religion. His death on Saint Helena was recorded in island histories. Longwood House, his final residence, was later purchased by the French government in 1858. His remains were returned to France in 1840, leading to a state funeral in Paris, though this occurred well after the immediate aftermath of his death.