To do something outstanding in life is far from being possible for everyone, but many, moreover, almost everyone, strive for this. That is why I so want to learn as much as possible about the personalities who left their noticeable mark on history. Everyone knows about the character and deeds of extraordinary people from books. The features of the appearance of the leaders of mankind, who became famous in various fields, are captured in ancient paintings, engravings and frescoes. Such as our contemporaries represent them, the inhabitants of past centuries, fanned by legends, can be seen in the cinema. To what extent do the images of historical characters correspond to reality? It is not always possible to judge this. However, today there are many new methods that allow you to get closer to unraveling the mystery of what the legendary figures of the past represented in reality.
Alexander the Great
This man, who glorified himself by great deeds in the 4th century BC and died extremelyyoung, was a legendary commander and creator of world power. Alexander was a member of the Argead dynasty, which ruled Macedonia from its very foundation. But after ascending the throne, he managed to turn a weak kingdom into a huge empire through aggressive warriors and brilliant battles.
Alexander the Great, among other well-known historical figures, stood out for his desire for primacy and frantic temperament, but these character traits were combined in him with the extraordinary mind of a prudent politician. His completely unexpected death, which occurred in June 323 BC, seemed very suspicious to his contemporaries and descendants. And for a long time one could only guess about its causes. The consequence of the suddenness of the tragedy was that Alexander did not have time to appoint an heir. And the struggle for power that unfolded after that led to the collapse of the great empire he created.
Modern investigation
Secrets of personality and actions of historical characters beckon our contemporaries, and therefore the mysterious death of the commander, impressive with his exploits, attracted the attention of London detective John Grieve. To investigate the tragedy of bygone millennia, he attracted the best specialists from Scotland Yard. Among them were leading criminologists, forensic doctors, experts in the field of psychiatry and toxicology.
Many versions of events have been put forward over the past centuries. Often there were suggestions about the poisoning of Alexander. And the motives for such conjectures were clear. This strongthe uncommon personality of the enemies in all respects was enough.
Detective Conclusion
Which historical characters were involved in the crime?
It was assumed that it was committed on political grounds. But some put forward the version that it was all the fault of the binges, which Alexander often fell into in the last months before his death, grieving for the deceased lover Hephaestion (there were rumors that the great commander was a homosexual).
But John Grieve, in his conclusions and arguments, argued that it was a mere accident. And Alexander the Great was ruined by his impatient, immoderate disposition. It was like this, he wanted to quickly recover after a grand feast and abused a medicinal drug. And he was killed by white hellebore - a medicinal plant, which in certain doses turns out to be a deadly poison.
Tutankhamun
Among the most famous names of historical characters, Tutankhamun is also remembered - a young pharaoh who ruled in Ancient Egypt in the 14th century BC. He himself died, according to some historical information, nineteen years old. Having received power as a child, he reigned for only 9 years, and did not have time to leave a noticeable mark in the history of his country. But still, the pharaoh boy is widely known, and his name has thundered through the centuries thanks to his famous tomb.
This tomb is located near Thebes in the so-called "Valley of the Kings". Its discovery many millennia later became an impressive event of the 20th century. A little later, legends spread about the "cursepharaohs", a kind of punishment that allegedly befell the discoverers of this tomb. It is thanks to mystical superstitions that Tutankhamun has taken a prominent place among other historical characters.
What did the young pharaoh look like, scientists examined his mummy through a topographer. A DNA test was also carried out. Anthropologists played a significant role in creating the portrait of Tutankhamun.
Cardinal Richelieu
From early childhood, everyone is familiar with the wonderful novel The Three Musketeers, written by the great creator of historical works, Alexandre Dumas. One of the brightest heroes of the book is Cardinal Richelieu. In the novel, he appears to the reader as a vicious and vengeful intriguer, sending his spies everywhere. However, the Red Cardinal, as he is also called, is one of the literary and historical characters, being both at the same time. What was his image in reality and does the hero of the novel look like his prototype?
In fact, he was a truly smart and talented politician who did a lot for France. From childhood he was in poor he alth. And since he could not play with his peers, he was engaged in reading books. What he looked like, the descendants did not have to guess. Many sculptures and portraits of Cardinal Richelieu created by his contemporaries have survived.
Peter I
Another bright personality among historical characters, in the portraits of which, made during his lifetime, there was no shortage. By the way, about Peter I tooenough documentary books and novels have been written, and feature films have been made about his deeds.
He became famous as the first All-Russian emperor, a prominent representative of the great Romanov dynasty, an outstanding reformer and a talented statesman. However, among contemporaries and historians there were many people who sharply criticized his policies. He was accused of tyranny, violence against his own people, ruthless eradication of any dissent.
There are also many dark spots in the death of this outstanding person, which occurred in January 1725. All his papers mysteriously disappeared after his death, and the dying emperor did not have time to make a will, where he appoints a successor. Although many claimed that it did exist, it was hidden or destroyed.
Catherine II
Among the historical characters of women, Catherine II should be especially highlighted. It was said about her that she went to many tricks to achieve success, and did not miss a single chance in this field.
There are many secrets associated with the personality of this Russian Empress, including enough stories about her many love affairs, as well as her quirks in such matters. Often gossiped about the origin of Catherine. It was not clear: was her official father legal?
Ne Princess Fike from early childhood had a freedom-loving and daring disposition. When she married the heirRussian throne, husband Pyotr Fedorovich showed no interest in her. But Catherine showed perseverance and achieved the love of her surroundings, which helped her eventually become an empress, removing her unfaithful husband from her path. It is known that in addition to Pavel, the legitimate son, Anna, who died in infancy, she also had side children: the son of Alexei Bobrinsky and the daughter of Elizabeth.
The Empress loved Russia, but not everyone in this country treated her with love. There is evidence that Catherine's life could have ended in tragedy more than once, and the courtiers plotted against her.
