Sigurana, Caterina (fl. 1543)

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Sigurana, Caterina (fl. 1543)

Italian heroine. Name variations: Catherine. Flourished around 1543.

In 1543, aided by Khair ad-din Barbarossa and his Muslim Turks, Francis I, king of France, began a two-month siege of Nice; the defenders of Nice refused various offers to surrender. A huge attack was mounted against the city on August 15, the city wall was breached, and a Turkish standard-bearer was able to plant his flag. At this point, Caterina Sigurana, a washerwoman, attacked the Turk and stole the standard. Her achievement spurred her fellow defenders to renewed efforts, and Nice continued to hold against its attackers. Though the city was surrendered on August 23, the castle was not taken and the besiegers withdrew in early September. Caterina Sigurana has been remembered ever since as a hero of the city.

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