Ajaccio, the capital city of Corsica declined during the Middle Ages, and recovered after the Genoese built a citadel there in 1492. The Corsican Republic was declared in 1755; and the Genoese continued its holdings, including Ajaccio, until the French took control. The most famous Ajaccio inhabitant was Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, born here in 1769. His family home, the Maison Bonaparte, is a now grand museum After Napoleon' was defeated at the Battle of Leipzig in October 1813, he retreated to Paris; but with little support from his military marshals, he was forced to renounce his throne in April of 1814. The European powers exiled him to Elba Island. However, within eleven months he returned, heading an army that wanted him to retake the French throne. Napoleon's final defeat came June, 1815 at the famous Battle of Waterloo, after which he was exiled to the far off island of St. Helena, a barren, wind-swept rock.

Written by the award winning author, attorney and former teacher, Penelope Dyan, with photography by John D. Weigand this is the perfect 'learn to read' book for you if you want to see where Napoleon was born! When you are finished reading this book, watch the free music video that goes with this book on Bellissimavideo's YouTube channel.