Julius Koch | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 1872 |
| Died | 30 March 1902(1902-03-30) (aged 29–30) |
| Other names | Le Geant Constantin |
| Height | 2.46 m (8 ft 1 in) |
Julius Koch (1872 – 30 March 1902), also known asLe Géant Constantin ("Constantin the Giant"), was one of thetallest people ever. He suffered fromgigantism, with an enlarged pituitary gland, testicular atrophy and lack of sexual development,[1] and had trouble walking.[2] His height, 245.9 cm (8 ft 0.8 in) was based on an estimate: after a series of falls, his legs were badly injured,[3] and they were amputated aftergangrene set in.[1][4] His height had been advertised as 2.59 m (8 ft 6 in), but this was presumed to be an exaggeration, as the skeleton measures 8 ft 1 in (2.46 cm). Because he lived at the same time asJohn Rogan, he was probably never the tallest man in the world.[4] At the age of 14 years, he reportedly already measured 1.94 m (6 ft 4 in).[1] Koch'sfemurs were the longest ever measured, at 76 cm (30 in),[1] and his hands were reportedly 37.6 cm (14.8 in) long.[4] His feet were claimed to have a length of 44 cm (17 in).[1]
Koch died inMons,Belgium on 30 March 1902. His skeleton is preserved in the Museum of Natural History in Mons, Belgium.[3][5]
Koch was the star of an early short film,The Giant Constantin, released in 1902. In 1899 he appeared at the London Pavilion[6] and theFolies Bergère in Paris.[7] During 1901 and 1902, he appeared in Mons as a fairground attraction.[3]
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