During the reign of King Louis XIV, one shadowy figure captured the imagination of generations: the Man in the Iron Mask. Locked away in the Bastille and other French prisons from the late 1600s into the early 1700s, this anonymous prisoner became a symbol of secrecy, betrayal, and political intrigue.
His harsh confinement and the mask that hid his face proved more infamous than the man himself, sparking centuries of speculation. Was he a disgraced noble, a royal rival, or a servant who knew too much? The mystery endures, inspiring countless retellings, including the 1998 film starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
The Man in the Iron Mask stands as one of history’s most unforgettable enigmas. Click through to uncover the secrets and speculation surrounding his hidden face.