The tallest man in history was Robert Wadlow, who stood at 8 feet 11.1 inches tall. He was born on Feb. 22, 1918.

Wadlow’s height came as a result of pituitary gigantism. By the time he was 5, Wadlow was 5 feet 4 inches tall, Guinness World Records reports. At 8 years old, he was nearly 6 feet tall.

Wadlow also holds the record for the largest feet and the largest hands ever. Wadlow’s feet measured 18.5 inches long and his hands were 12.7 inches long from his wrist to the tip of his middle finger.

Wadlow died on July 15, 1940, due to an infection. He was 22 years old.