Mozart's Mysterious Death: Unraveling the Theories
Mozart's Last Days and Official Cause of Death
On December 5, 1791, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart passed away in Vienna at the age of 35. The official cause of death, as listed in the medical records, is "severe inflammatory fever" or "acute miliary fever." However, this diagnosis has been questioned, and various theories have emerged regarding the true cause of Mozart's demise.
Subdural Hematoma and the Mozart Skull
One theory, proposed in a 1994 article in the journal Neurology, suggests that Mozart may have died from a subdural hematoma, a collection of blood between the skull and the brain. This theory is based on the examination of a skull believed to belong to Mozart, which was preserved by a gravedigger's successor. However, the authenticity of the skull is still disputed.
Kidney Disease and Rheumatic Fever
Other medical theories have also been proposed to explain Mozart's death. Some researchers have suggested that he may have suffered from kidney disease, while others have speculated about rheumatic fever. However, there is limited evidence to support these hypotheses.
Murder Theories
More sensational theories have suggested that Mozart may have been murdered. One theory points to Antonio Salieri, a rival composer, as the culprit. However, this theory is largely based on speculation and has been widely discredited.
Conclusion
Despite the numerous theories that have been proposed, the exact cause of Mozart's death remains uncertain. The official diagnosis of acute miliary fever is still considered the most likely explanation, but further research is needed to confirm or refute the alternative theories.
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