Throughout history there have been many epic duels, some over honor, some for pride, but one of the most interesting ever learned about has to do with love.  

Dueling was common during the 19th century, where many combatants would use swords or pistols to battle each other.  However, today’s two combatants found unconventional means to do battle.

Our story takes place in Paris, France on May 3rd, 1808, and two men who are madly in love with one woman set out for battle not on the ground, or at sea, but in the air.

Monsieur Grandpre and Monsieur Le Pique rose to the skies at 9 o’clock in the morning, and settled in the air roughly 2700 feet high and about 240 feet apart.  Supposedly, the spectators in the streets below believed that there would be a race between the two adversaries, but to some people’s excitement and other’s horror, the two men were actually armed with blunderbusses, a relative to the modern day shotgun.

Le Pique fired his weapon at Grandpre, but missed him.  Grandpre; however, fired at the balloon Le Pique was riding in, instead of the man himself.  Grandpre’s shot blew a hole in the balloon, sending Le Pique and the man assisting him to their deaths.

So to all of those who have ever lost a fight for love, just remember you could have been shot out of a hot air balloon.  Happy Valentine’s Day.