Facts in The Cask of Amontillado

The Catacombs of Paris are the largest in the world, and hold the remains of more than six million people. The Catacombs were founded in 1786 when city officials struggled to address overflowing cemeteries and the caving-in of other catacombs and graves. The Catacombs of Paris became a tourist attraction beginning in the 19th century.

Poe, like his character Montresor, knew what it was to fall on hard times. After a falling out with his wealthy foster father, Poe lost his high social status, and suffered from chronic financial troubles—as well as alcoholism—for the rest of his life. A quarrel Poe had with two other poets may also have inspired his tale of revenge.