30. A Deadly Throne
King Bela did not get to enjoy his victory for long. Later in 1063, he came to an undignified end just when he had achieved his ambitions and was at the height of his success, after his throne tottered and fell. “Throne tottered and fell” is not meant here as a figure of speech, or an allusion to a weakening of his power and authority, but literally.
One September day in 1063, Bela I held court in his summer palace in Domos. Flanked by his senior advisers, and with his noblemen and officials gathered before him, the king regally ascended the steps to his throne and took a seat. Unregally, the heavy wooden throne collapsed once the royal posterior sat down. Bela I was severely injured in front of his horrified court, and died of his wounds soon thereafter.