10 Most Fascinating Siamese Twins in History

Intriguing Lives of Siamese Twins Throughout History

Siamese twins have long captivated the attention of doctors, scientists, and the public alike. Their unique condition has led to both fascination and exploitation throughout the centuries. Below, we present a compilation of some of the most remarkable Siamese twins who have lived extraordinary lives.

10. Chang and Eng Bunker

Born in 1811 in Siam (now Thailand), Chang and Eng Bunker were conjoined twins who gained global fame. In 1829, the twins embarked on a worldwide tour, captivating audiences with their shows and lectures. Their popularity was so immense that the term "Siamese twins" became synonymous with conjoined twins. Eventually, Chang and Eng retired, purchased land in North Carolina, became US citizens, and even owned slaves. Despite facing speculation and ridicule, the twins, along with their wives, sought a peaceful and content life. They lived in separate homes, alternating their presence each week, and together, they fathered a total of twenty-one children.

9. Daisy and Violet Hilton

Daisy and Violet Hilton were born in England in 1908. Initially abandoned by their mother, they were sold to Mary Hilton, who became their guardian. The twins were put on display in the back room of a pub, where spectators paid to see them. Exploited by their guardians for many years, they eventually gained their independence with the guidance of Harry Houdini. After being granted emancipation in 1931, they confronted the world on their own. Despite their initial success, their fortune dwindled, and they led quiet lives, working at a grocery store far away from the limelight.

8. Giacomo and Giovanni Tocci

Italian brothers Giacomo and Giovanni Tocci were born in 1877 as partially separated twins. Donated by their parents to the Royal Academy of Medicine in Turin, they were exhibited and gained popularity across America and Europe. The twins' unique physiology made walking a challenge, and they required assistance. After retiring at the age of twenty, they lived secluded lives near Venice, marrying two sisters and prioritizing a life away from fame and wealth.

7. Millie and Christine McKoy

Born into slavery in 1851 in North Carolina, Millie and Christine McKoy were sold several times before settling with Joseph Pearson Smith and his family. They became known as the "Carolina twins" and performed in various shows and circuses. Despite being kidnapped and taken to England, they were eventually brought back to America. The twins continued their performances, earning recognition as the "Two-Headed Girl" or the "Two-Headed Nightingale." After retiring due to Millie's declining health, they dedicated themselves to charitable work.

6. Rosa and Josepha Blažek

Rosa and Josepha Blažek, born in Bohemia in 1878, started their show careers at the age of one. As they grew older, Rosa gave birth to a son, making her the only conjoined female twin in history to bear a viable child. Traveling to America with their son, they continued their performances until Josepha fell ill. Both twins succumbed to illness in 1922, ending their extraordinary journey.

5. Radica and Doodica

Radica and Doodica, known as the Orissa sisters, were born in India in 1889. The twins were initially rejected by their village due to their appearance but were later taken in by a showman named Captain Colman. Treated more like adoptive children, the twins toured Europe until Doodica's tuberculosis forced them to separate, resulting in her death. Radica, too, succumbed to tuberculosis shortly after.

4. Ritta and Christina Parodi

Ritta and Christina Parodi were born in 1829 in Sardinia. Hoping to profit from their condition, their family embarked on a trip to France, where doctors could examine them. However, their financial situation worsened, and the constant scrutiny led to Ritta's declining health. Ritta passed away shortly after birth, followed closely by Christina.

3. Eliza and Mary Chulkhurst

Eliza and Mary Chulkhurst, known as the Biddenden Maids, were born in 1100. Although details are scarce, they are considered among the earliest documented cases of conjoined twins. It is believed they were conjoined at the hips, and their tradition of walking with arms around each other's shoulders created the impression of being conjoined at the shoulders. When Mary fell ill, Eliza refused separation and died six hours later. The sisters left their wealth to the poor, and an annual festival celebrating their lives continued until the early 1900s.

2. The Hungarian Sisters

Helen and Judith of Szony, known as "The Hungarian Sisters," were born in Hungary in 1701. Initially considered conjoined due to their mother's imagination during pregnancy, they capitalized on their condition by showcasing their musical talents in various exhibitions across Europe. Sadly, Judith passed away shortly after entering a convent, followed by Helen a few hours later.

1. The Scottish Brothers

The Scottish Brothers, born near Glasgow in 1490, remain shrouded in mystery. It is uncertain whether they were dicephalus twins (two heads on a single body) or conjoined below the waist. King James IV took them into his court, ensuring their upbringing and education. While known for their singing and linguistic skills, the brothers also had a tumultuous relationship, engaging in frequent quarrels and physical altercations. Their cause of death at age twenty-eight remains unknown.