Joan of Arc is one of the most famous names in all of history however few people realize that this was not her real name and not a name that was ever used while she was alive. Jehanne d'Arc was the real name of the person that we know today as Joan of Arc. This lack of understanding about Joan's name is just an example of the misconceptions that exist when it comes to this famous individual. This is really sad because the history of Joan of Arc is actually the best documented of anyone that has lived outside of modern times and with a little research the basic facts are easily learned.
In an attempt to counteract some of the misconceptions about Joan of Arc's history, I am posting some articles like this one containing the most basic facts about her life. My ultimate hope is that through learning the basic facts most people will be inspired to want learn more detailed information about this uniquely amazing historical figure.
The real name of Joan of Arc was Jehanne d'Arc . The proper pronunciation in English sounds like Jan drawn out and Dark for her last name.
Joan was born about January 6, 1412. The actual date of her birth was never officially recorded but people remembered that she was born on Epiphany which is January 6.
Joan grew up in the small town of Domremy in Eastern France. She lived a normal life there until she left when she was sixteen to answer God's call.
The greatest military victories by Joan of Arc were at the battles of Orleans and Patay . At Orleans she reversed the course of the Hundred Years War and at Patay she annihilated a much larger force.
Joan of Arc was wounded twice in battle. She was wounded at Orleans when she was hit by an arrow above her breast. She was wounded at Paris by a bolt from a crossbow that hit her in her thigh.
Joan of Arc was captured and became a POW on May 21, 1430. Originally captured by Burgundian soldiers loyal to the English she was eventually transferred to the English.
Joan was put on trial by the English in the Spring of 1431. She was charged with heresy and the trial was officially run by Church officials however the English paid for the trial and rigged the outcome.
Joan of Arc was declared a relapsed heretic and burned at the stake on May 30, 1431. She was only nineteen years old when she died.
The original trial of Joan of Arc was overturned on July 7, 1456. Known as the trial of Nullification or Rehabilitation she was declared a martyr and completely exonerated.
Joan of Arc became a Saint of the Catholic Church on May 16, 1920. The very same Church that had once burned her at the stake made her one of their official Saints.
Joan of Arc feast day is celebrated every year on May 30th. This is the anniversary of her death but is now a celebration of her life.
These are the basic facts about Joan of Arc. If you would like to learn more about Joan's life then please visit my large site dedicated to Joan of Arc
