11. Joan of Arc, Soldier (1412 � 1431)
During the Hundred Years War, when large areas of France were occupied by the English, this
young peasant girl heard heavenly voices commanding her to cut her hair, dress as a man, and go lead an army. Joan convinced Charles
VII, the French claimant to the throne, that she was for real, and was given an army and supplies. She led a series of military successes
that ended with Charles being crowned King.
At the age of 19, Joan was captured and handed over to a pro-English Bishop, who subjected
her to an illegal trial. In Europe at the time, cross-dressing was actually condoned, providing that a woman did it for safety or
protection. Nevertheless, Joan was convicted of �relapsed heresy� when she took up male dress again in prison, probably after a rape
attempt. She was burned at the stake. Later, the unjust decision was overturned in court, and Joan is now considered a saint by
the Catholic Church and a heroine of France.
