Fun Fact #328 The Purple Whale

 Fun Fact #329 

The Purple Whale

In the 6th century, during Emperor Justinian’s rule, Constantinople was terrorized by a Whale called Porphyrios (means “Purple Boy). However this was no trivial matter as the whale was attacking The Bosporus Strait, a major route and was known for sinking ships before killing those swimming out of the wreckage. In response Justinian ordered the Whale’s execution but as a Sperm Whale Bull: it’s skin was thicker and wrinkled, it was far more aggressive, it's one of the few whale species with teeth, and Sperm Whales are known for their memory and ability to learn. In the end the Whale would plague the empire for 50 years, and was only killed after beaching itself. It should be noted that even Byzantine was unable to slaughter the Whale (it rolled over onto several of the people sent to kill it) but died on it’s terms, not Julian’s.