Lazarus & Joannes Baptista, A True Story of The ‘Conjoined Colloredo Brothers’

Lazarus Colloredo and also Joannes Baptista Colloredo were actually Italian conjoined twins who toured freak shows in 17th-century Europe. They were born in Genoa, Italy. The upper body and the left leg of Joannes Baptista stuck out of his mobile brother that is Lazarus. He did not speak at all, kept his eyes closed and mouth open all the time.

Lazarus toured Europe exhibiting his brother. The upper body of Baptista and his left leg stuck out of his mobile brother Lazarus. According to a later account by Copenhagen anatomist Thomas Bartholinus, if someone pushed the breast of Joannes Baptista, he would move his hands, ears, and lips. The parasitic twins Lazarus and John Baptista Colloredo were apparently on tour in ‘many parts of Christendom’ and even Turkey for the better part of ten years.

Contemporary accounts described Lazarus as courteous, handsome, and intelligent, whose deportment was always that of a gentleman. When Lazarus was not exhibiting himself, he covered his brother with his cloak to avoid unnecessary attention. He employed two assistants as well-dressed as himself, one of whom would sound a trumpet to indicate the start of the viewing, the other to collect money from spectators.

While in France, Lazarus was accosted by a drunken man, who grew abusive and violent. Lazarus defended himself, apparently by cracking a bottle of wine over the man’s head. The offended succumbed to his injuries and Lazarus was placed on trial for murder, a capital crime. Although a case of self-defense was raised, the court refused the petition. The dead man had no weapon and Lazarus used the bottle to strike him and a death sentence was pronounced. It was then that a greater question arose. If Lazarus was put to death, it would also execute his conjoined twin. This would result in the killing of an innocent man.

Lazarus was able to produce the baptismal records dating to 1617 for himself and his brother. As one who was baptized, the court had to accept that John Baptista had a soul in the eyes of the Church and accepted the argument. Lazarus and John Baptista were freed. Later accounts claim that Lazarus married and had several children. The brothers’ exact date of death is unknown. They are last mentioned in 1646.

Sources: Italian Tribune.

Adib Mohd

Recent Posts

TV Sarawak Is Leveling Up, From Kuching to the World with Spotlight 25/26

Since its debut in 2020, TV Sarawak (TVS) has been rewriting what it means to… Read More

20 hours ago

Skechers Steps Up the Game with New Basketball Collection

Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company™ and a global leader in lifestyle and performance footwear, has… Read More

21 hours ago

LexisNexis Brings AI Legal Sidekick to Malaysia with Protégé

Move over Suits, the future of law just got an AI upgrade. LexisNexis has officially… Read More

21 hours ago

BJAK Turns Insurance Renewals into Rewards with RM100,000 Mega Giveaway This 10.10

Renewing insurance and road tax is often a last-minute hassle, but BJAK, Malaysia’s largest online… Read More

1 day ago

SHANTEA Dessert Opens First Outlet at Mid Valley, Serving Malaysian Culture Through Sweet Creations Ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

Malaysian flavors stepped into the spotlight today as SHANTEA Dessert officially opened its first outlet… Read More

1 day ago

Energea Powers Up Malaysia with Bold Tangerine Collection and Next-Gen Hybrid-Solid State Powerbank

Energea, the lifestyle-driven power solutions and tech accessories brand, has officially introduced two groundbreaking innovations:… Read More

1 day ago

This website uses cookies.