The Middle Ages and Their Legends
Joan of the Arc, William the Conqueror, and King John
Joan War Stamp
A romanticized depiction of Joan of Arc designed to appeal to nationalist sympathies during World War I. The poster urges women to purchase war savings stamps to help the Allied effort.
William The Conqueror In Battle
William the Conqueror, duke of Normandy, leads the Norman invasion of England at the Battle of Hastings on October 14, 1066.
King John And Magna Carta
An eighteenth century engraving of King John of England signing the Magna Carta at Runnymede on June 15, 1215.The Granger Collection, New York. Reproduced by permission.
Joan of the Arc
Biographical Information
(1412-1431) Joan didnt really have a last name, the most common "real" name that is out there is Jehanne d Arc. The nickname that everybody knows her by and calls her is Joan of the Arc. She was born in 1412, in Domremy, France. She lived in, and, traveled a lot throughout France. She was a very religious and strong woman. She had over 30 crimes, one of which was for wearing pants, being a woman in that time she was not aloud to do. At the age of 12-13 she started recieving "visions from god". But she was not believed for a very long time by a lot of people. Nobody believed that it was actually possible that "god" was talking to her, most people just thought she had a mental disorder, like schizophrenia. Eventually Joan started believing that she was destined to save France from its English enemies, she went to the King of France, and proved her gift real. Eventually, she was executed at about the age of 17, by being burned at the stake for her crimes, which were reduced to 15 after her contributions to help France.
Memorable Moments :
~ Started recieving visions at 12-13~ Led soldiers into battle at the age of 15, and to victory, at the Battle of Orleans~ Became a Catholic Saint and a symbol of French patriotism~ Known as "Maid of Orleans"~ Believed that "god" spoke to her~ Had over 30 crimes, one of which was wearing pants, which was not aloud then, since she was a girl~ "She is the most notable Warrior Saint in the Christian calendar, and the queerest fish among the eccentric worthies of the Middle Ages." GEORGE BERNARD SHAW~
Importance :
~She led an army at the age of 15, but she never did actually fight. ~she had to courage to try to get her "gift" known to the world ~her "visions from god" mad her feel that she was destined to help save France, so she went to the king, which helped her eventually become a general. ~She was eventually executed for 15 of her 30 crimes, by burning at the stake
William The Conqueror
Biographical Information :
(1027-1087) "William I" or "William The Conqueror" is what he was called and known by all over. He got the name "William The Conqueror" after he conquers England and the Anglo-Saxons. He ruled England from 1066-1087. His place of birth was Falaise, France. His location of his death was Rouen, France. William was very violent at times, he liked to fight, and or, "conquer". In his early years of being Duke of Normandy, violence and corruption managed to plague him. He fought for control of his fragile dukedom.
Memorable Moments :
~He was of Viking origin ~He was illiterate for most of his life ~Defeated England and the Anglo-Saxons ~Defeated his enemy Harold during the Battle of Hastings ~William was very touchy about his weight ~At his funeral, his body apparently exploded.. Even though that's not really the case, they tried to push his body into his coffin because he would not fit, and pushed down rather hard on his abdomen causing it to split open. ~"Look I have already grasped my Kingdom" -William The Conqueror
Importance :
~He helped shape England's feudal system so that the king, not the nobles, has supreme power ~He created a survey in England to help the king set up an accurate central tax system. These records became known as the Doomsday Book ~He crossed the English Channel with his Norman knights and defeat his enemy Harold at the famous Battle of Hastings
King John :
Biographical Information :
(1166-1216) Also known as John Lackland. He was born in Beaumont Palace, Oxford, and died in Newark Castle, in Trent, Nottinghampshire. He was extremely short-tempered and very greedy. His personality prevented him from being a good king. He made several enemies, including the Pope. He reduced his influence as a king.
Memorable Moments :
~He tried to kill his dad Henry II and his dad's second wife Eleanor of Aquitaine. ~He was forced to accept the document the Magna Carta. ~He had to agree to not collect taxes from nobles without their consent or to take their property without paying for it. ~The nobles come to him in the "gay military array" and demand that liberties be granted to them. ~He had to now obey the laws just like his subjects
Importance :
He accepted the Magna Carta. He agreed to follow the laws in his country just like his subjects.