Joan of Arc

Preservation of Food using Gelatin in the early 1400s

Jan 1, 1401

The oldest recipes for "gelatins" come from the early 1400's. these were made from boiled pig's ears and feet with a high concentration of collagen filtered into specialized bags. The gelatin's "novel form" and "shapeshifting texture," mix to form a solution that slows down the spoilage rate, making gelatin around meats last longer. This is significant because during an era without fridges and freezers, keeping food for longer periods of time was a very hard feat to accomplish (Braksdale 1).

Joan of Arc's Birth

Jan 6, 1412

In the small town of Domrémy located in the Champagne District in north east France, a healthy baby was born (Commire 1). Joan was born one of five children by Jaques d'Arc and Isabelle Romée (Paine 2). As she grew, she discovered herself to be a product of her mothers religious beliefs and upbringing, and became deeply devoted to Catholicism (Henneman 128). This is significant because she would grow up to lead France in war, win battles, and restore nationalism to France's people.

Admiral Zheng He-his expedition's between 1405 and 1433, with 1419 being in the middle of the year span

Jan 1, 1419

With some of the most massive wooden ships, Chinese admiral Zheng He, under the Ming Dynasty, went on seven expeditions. Along with twenty seven thousand and eight hundred men on sixty two ships they explored and travelled many trade routes through southeast Asia, the middle east, and even getting as far as eastern Africa considering they didn't have advanced technologies in the early fifteenth century. This is important so we can know about other explorations of our vast world (Barksdale 1).

The Sammon Gate Contruction

Jan 1, 1425

In Kyoto, Japan, the gate residing at the "Tofukuji School of the Rinzai Sect of Zen Buddhism," is the oldest gate in all of the country and it is considered a "national treasure." It was burned three times in the fourteenth century, but in 1425 it was rebuilt to what it is present day. The gate makes its home around other important historical artifacts including the head temple built in 1236. This is important because it is a significant piece of history for Japan and Zen alike (tofukuji.jp 1).

Divine Visions of Saints

Jan 6, 1425

Around thirteen years old, Joan of arc began to hear St. Michael, St. Margret, and St. Catherine in "divine visions," persuading her that it is her fate to help King Charles VII expel the English (Commire 1). Historians reflect on her experience and name her a "clairvoyant," meaning a person who knows of events that haven't happened yet or are far away (Henneman 128). This is significant because it is these voices that catalyze her journey of following her destiny to help France

Masaccio's Influence During the Renaissance

Jan 1, 1428

The artist Masaccio (born in 1401 and died in 1428) painted for less than six years, but was a majorly influential artist in Florance in the early renaissance years. His work was perceived as "intellectual" and was praised for it as well as how natural he made his paintings, focusing on nature rather than the supernatural like many of the painters that came before him. He was highly influential because of the nature of his work in an era of new ideas (history.com renaissance art 1).

Creation of the Aztec Empire

Jan 17, 1428

The Aztecs made a three way alliance with the Texcocans and the Tacubans, following their leader Itzcoatl, to work against their shared enemy and capture territory, to kick start the Aztec empire that Itzcoatl's successor would be known to raise. This is important because the Aztec empire was one of the strongest and greatest dominions in history. Without this alliance over an enemy, the Aztecs wouldn't have had a multiple century rule, built temples, or sacrificed humans (history.com Aztecs 1).

The Medici Family and the Renaissance, 1429 being the year Cosimo took control of thier banking empire.

Jan 1, 1429

The Medici family rose in power from the middle class through banking. Giovanni gained control of twenty six banks before dying, leaving his wealth to his son Cosimo (Stock 1). Named the "godfather" of the Italian renaissance, he supported artists and "intellectuals" (history.com Italian renaissance 1). The influential, powerful, and wealthy family played a major role in Florance becoming known for finance and trade and cultivating the cultural center of the Renaissance in Florance as well.

Joan tries to arrange to meet with the King.

Feb 23, 1429

At seventeen years old, Joan met with Robert de Baudricourt, an authority figure in the town of Vaucouleurs, to report her visions, and ask for an escort to see the king. Denying her twice, he finally granted it the third time (Commire 1). Joan, along with the escort, set out and arrived to the King eleven days later (Bourgoin 264). This is significant because it demonstrates her determination and willpower to do what she thinks is right, and ultimately, for the greater good of France.

Joan meets the King

Mar 6, 1429

Doubtful at first, as many thought her "powers" were the work of the devil, Priests tested her faith, as well as Joan revealing Charles VII's prayers that were, up until then, only between him and God, to prove her authenticity (Commire 1). He eventually accepted her beliefs and powers as such, and not of a witch (Henneman 128). This is significant because without the king standing behind her, she would not be able to accomplish what she does in the future because of his continued support.

Victory at Orléans

Apr 1, 1429

Charles VII gave Joan the necessary supplies to get started including distinct white armor and command of troops. Some French commanders were wary to follow this inexperienced and young girl into battle, but soon had to overcome their fears (Henneman 128). With Duke d'Alençon and Jean count of Dunois, Joan took Orléans back. This is event significant because the victory removed a prominent threat to Charles VII, and gave France a military triumph for the first time in his reign (Bourgoin 265).

French advance on Reims, and corination of the rightful King

Jul 18, 1429

Following Orléans, Joan urged Charles VII to advance on Reims, an old place to crown royalty, and become the king "in eyes of all men," instead of the uncrowned eldest son he was. After many battles and almost abandoning the mission because of starvation, they became victorious, and were welcomed with open arms to Reims. During the coronation ceremonies Joan held a place of honor. This is significant because without Joan's urging, Charles VII would never become the rightful king (Bourgoin 265).

Joan's Capture

May 1, 1430

While defending the town of Compiègne, Joan was captured during a small fight against the English allies the Burgundians outside the town walls (Bourgoin 265). She was ransomed to the English for a large sum, and they were happy to get her because they feared her to be a sorceress or agent of the devil and that scared them more than an approaching army could (Commire 1) This event is significant because her capture is what arouses many negative speculations, and also leads up to her death.

Joan's Trial and Death

May 30, 1431

The English tried Joan of Arc for heresy, arguing that she was a sorceress or an agent of the devil. The trial itself is debated to not have been fairly judged, and Joan argued that her visions were from God. She was found guilty and sentenced to death by being burned at the stake in the center of Rouen, a large crowd attended. Her ashes were thrown in the Seine river (Henneman 129). Joan's death is significant because her legacy of her life is preserved, as well as what she has done for France.

Charges reconsidered and Lifted

Jul 7, 1456

Charles VII wanting to lift the charges of heresy off of Joan, called to reassess her charges in 1455 (Bourgoin 265). Pope Callistus III declared her trial to be "null and void" and in 1456, twenty five years after her death, her innocence was announced. This event is significant because it catalyzed the process of her beatification in 1909 and being named a saint in 1920 (Henneman 129). Without the reconsideration of her charges, she wouldn't have become the well known hero she is today.

Joan of Arc is Canonized

May 16, 1920

Pope Benedict XV pronounced Joan of Arc a saint, fifty years after the beatification process had begun. He said she was "a most brilliantly shining light of the Church Triumphant" at her canonization (Taylor 217). This event is very significant because it is national recognition of her holiness and she is regarded to be in heaven after death. This acknowledges all that had happened to her through the church trials, and she is finally being recognized for the good that she did when she was alive.