A versatile and prolific author from the French Romantic period. Mérimée's first two publications, Le Théâtre de Clara Gazul (1825) and La Guzla (1827), are spurious productions attributed to fictitious authors or translators. His full length literary writings include the dramas La Jacquerie (1828) and La Famille de Carvajal (1828) as well as the novel La Chronique du règne de Charles IX (1829).

A demon in German folklore, appearing in Faustian legend. He serves as agent for the bargain in which the Faust character sells his soul to the devil in exchange for earthly knowledge and power.

Cynic philosopher of the third century B.C.

Son of the powerful Castillian family of Mendoza and general in the Italian wars, living from 1469-1536 and eventually serving under Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba.

In Greek myth, King of the Ethiopians, and slayer of Achilles in the Trojan War. The colossi of Memnon consist of two huge statues on the Nile near Luxor. One of them was reputed to "sing" at dawn, probably in consequence of an earthquake during the first century producing fissures through which air currents moved, sometimes producing a sound.

Florentine banker, ruler, and patron of Renaissance artists, including Michelangelo. He was known as "Lorenzo the Magnificent" for his political brilliance and enthusiastic patronage of art which furthered the cultural development of Florence.

Co-ruler of Florence alongside his brother, "Lorenzo the Magnificent." Giuliano was assassinated as part of the Pazzi Conspiracy to displace Medici rule.

Born Lodovico de' Medici, Giovanni assumed the name of his father, who had died shortly after his son was born. The younger Giovanni became the most distinguished soldier in the history of the Medici family, serving the Papal States, the French, and Emperor Charles V before returning to the French service against the Emperor. Giovanni died from a battle wound received in the War of the League of Cognac.

Nicknamed "the Moor" for his dark complexion, Alessandro was most likely the illegitimate son of Giulio de' Medici, born to a servant of African descent. As Pope Clement VII, Giulio selected Alessandro as the Duke of Florence. Alessandro ruled from 1532 until his assassination by a distant cousin in 1537. Although initially admired by his subjects, Alessandro became regarded as a corrupt figure due to his misuse of taxes and attempts to extend his power.

The Florentine Medici family rose to power on the tremendous wealth created through the family bank that, during the fifteenth century, was the largest bank in Europe. On that basis, they created a political dynasty that ruled Florence and Tuscany from the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries, yielding four popes and many marriages into powerful families across Europe.