How did Galileo Galilei die?

Italian scientist Galileo Galilei died in Florence, Italy, on Jan. 8, 1642, after suffering from a fever and heart palpitations. He was 77 years old and blind at the time of his death.

Throughout his life, Galileo faced years of controversy and even imprisonment for his scientific theories. His redemption came many years after his death, when he was reburied on sacred ground at Santa Croce in 1737. Four years later, in 1741, Pope Benedict XIV authorized the publication of Galileo's complete works. To date, he is known as the father of modern science, physics, astronomy and observational science.