The diminutive, extremely hard-drinking Clemens Pankert or, according to other sources, Giovanni Clementi (1702-1735) was court jester to Elector Karl III Philipp von der Pfalz (1661-1742), whose seat of government was in Heidelberg. The Elector became acquainted with Perkeo in Innsbruck, who impressed him with his quick wit and drinking and therefore took him to Heidelberg. Perkeo was only three feet six inches tall (1 m), but reportedly weighed 100 kg. His "dwarfishness" was probably due to pseudoachondroplasia (congenital short stature). He probably also suffered from a congenital ADH deficiency or the disease diabetes insipidus (water urine dysentery) with increased urine excretion and an increased feeling of thirst with increased drinking. The Elector is said to have asked him if he could drink the famous Heidelberg barrel with a volume of 221,726 litres all by himself. He is said to have replied in Italian: "Perché no?" (Why not?). This gave rise to the name of Perkeo, who was appointed keeper of the barrel. The Elector had a colourful uniform made for him. He also received a large medal and a huge cellar key at his side.
Many legends have grown up around him, some of them with fantastic claims. Allegedly, he drank 20 to 30 litres of liquid, mainly wine, in one day. According to a report by the French poet Victor Hugo (1802-1885) after a visit to Heidelberg Castle, he drank, or rather had to drink, fifteen double bottles of Rhine wine, otherwise he was whipped. Officially, he died in his 33rd year, which is no wonder due to his excessive drinking. According to one of the legends, however, he became very old and first fell ill in his eighth decade. A doctor strongly advised him against drinking wine and recommended drinking water. Perkeo reluctantly accepted the advice and died the following day. It is certain that he delighted the entire court and the citizens of the city with his jokes. During his lifetime, a monument was erected to him, which he had designed and made himself. Today it stands on the wall next to the barrel. The inn "Zum Perkeo" in Heidelberg's city centre is named after him. See also under alcoholism, intoxication and drinking culture.
Inn: By Jaimrsilva - Own work, CC-BY-SA 4.0, Link
Perkeo with monkeys: By Unknown - Perkeo, Public domain, Link
