Christopher Columbus

NAME: Christopher Columbus

YEARS: 1451 – 1506

DEATH: Died of gout in his home at an advanced age. His last word were "Into thy hands, O Lord I commit my Spirit."

KEY POINTS: Columbus was a new thinker. Though he was often ridiculed in his day and also in ours, he felt he was inspired by God through the Holy Spirit to perform the taks he fulfilled. He discovered the West Trade Route and also the Western Hemesphire. He was a city builder and a great dictator.

Napoleon Bonaparte (Le Petit Caporal)

NAME: Napoleon Bonaparte

YEARS: 1769 - 1821

DEATH: unknown; possibility of murder by arsenic poisoning

General George Washington

NAME: George Washington

YEARS: 1732 - 1799

DEATH: He generated a cold which brought upon further complications ending with his death on his own bed.

Joan Of Arc or Jehanne la Pucelle, "Joan the Maid"

NAME: Joan Of Arc

YEARS: A.D. 1412 - 1431

DEATH: Burned at the stake for heresy.

KEY POINTS: Joan of Arc was a very young maiden who sleeked to aid France against the ongoing assault of the English. Due to visions she received she was able to lead an army against the enemy and produce many victories. She wore male clothing instead of that of a maid to protect her chastity. She called for a sword that was buried behind an alter in the church at Ste-Catherine-de-Fierbois. Her armor was tailored to her fit and covered her frame. It had a white shine to it. The most important artifact she kept was that of her banner. It had an image of Christ with two angels on each side. She would carry only the banner into battle instead of a weapon. She was only wounded three times. Once by an arrow, another by a stone to her helmet and the third was a dart that pierced her thigh. She was captured by the English and burned at the stake on minor charges of heresy, but major charges of cross-dressing.

El Cid Campeador

NAME: El Cid

YEARS: A.D. 1044-1099

DEATH: His death was brought about by a deadly wound that slowly killed him. After his death he was mounted on his hourse and rushed into battle, resulting in a victory for his former men.

Attila The Hun "Scourge of God"

NAME: Attila The Hun

YEARS: A.D. 406 - 453

KEY POINTS: Attila became one of the greatest threats the Roman Empires had ever faced. He was revered as a great leader by his men.

DEATH: Supposed to have died on his wedding night due to drunkeness.

Caeser Augustus

NAME: Caeser Augustus

YEARS: 63 B.C. - 14 A.D.

DEATH: Dies of an Illness in Nola, Italy

KEY POINTS: Became a Roman leader at the age of 18 when his Uncle, Julius Caesar , was assassinated. He was a great aid to the Roman Empire by organizing a Republic and rebuilding many of the current structures along with constructing some of his own and stretching there current roads and boarders. He avenged the death of his uncle and defeated Mark Anthony and Cleopatra on the fields of Greece. He was not a magnificent military leader but was wise enough to use the abilities of his close friend Agrippa in that way. He lived to a ripe old age of 75.

King Alexander The Great

NAME: Alexander The Great

YEARS: 356 - 324 B.C.

DEATH: Possibly died of Maleria that was suspected to have occured from heavy drinking.

KEY POINTS: Alexander conqured the world at a young age and created a capital in Egypt name "Alexandria." This would have then moved the capital from Memphis to his new found city. While also in Egypt he visited Memphis and then made a dangerous quest to the Temple of Zues-Ammon, where he met with a priest who declared him as a Son of God. When he died in Babylon his body was moved back to Memphis and then transported one more time to Alexandria under the direction of one of his former generals Ptolmey I. Ptolmey was also the record keeper of Alexander's conquest and became the ruler of Egypt after Alexander's former Kingdom had crumbled.

King Tutankhamen

NAME: King Tutankhamen

YEARS: 1341 B.C.

DEATH: Intombed at 18, believd to have been due to a head injury.

KEY POINTS: King Tut was known for his acheivment in moving the capital of Egypt to Memphis "a holy city" and Thebes.

Tips on Writing Historical Fiction

1. Present a well-told story that doesn't conflict with historical records
2. Portray characters realistically
3. Present authentic settings
4. Artfully fold in historical facts
5. Provide accurate information through illustrations
6. Avoid stereotypes and myths.