Joan Of Arc
Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc) was born in the village of Domremy in North-eastern France on January 1412, during the time of the ‘Hundred Years’ War’ between the English and the French over control of France. She was the daughter of Jacques d’Arc and Isabelle Romee, who were not rich but well respected. Like most children in the 15th century, Joan did not have an education; however she was especially religious and attended church often.
In 1424, Joan d’Arc started hearing voices telling her to lead the French army to take Dauphin, (normally heir to the throne,) to Rheims to be crowned Charles VII, king of France. Four years later, Joan’s petition for permission to travel with an army was finally accepted. In 1429, she led 4,000 men to help the city of Orleans, which was surrounded by the English. The attacked was a success and although Joan had been wounded with an arrow, she urged the troops on. The victory was followed by another at the town of Patay, where they successfully defeated the enemy.
Next, the army set out to Rheims, the city of French kings, where Charles coronation was held. After that, Joan and her troops traveled to La Charite, however, the attack was a failure. By that, Joan’s troops were discouraged; uncomfortable and hungry, they attempted an attack on Compiegne but they were heavily outnumbered by the English army. Joan was captured, trapped and then sent to jail for 8 months.
In 1431, Joan’s trial was held at Rouen, where she was convicted of religious crime. She was accused of witchcraft and guilty of worshipping false gods. But in the end, she was accused of wearing men’s clothing.
Joan died in 1431 at the young age of 19. She listened calmly as the sermon read to her then broke down weeping. She was tied to a tall pillar well above the crowd and given a small cross. A crucifix was held out in front of her as the flames rose. Joan d’Arc was the only person to...
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