Page 332 - (DK) I Can’t Believe It! 2

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Napoleon
TRUE or
FALSE?
was short Which of these
leaders has
a prehistoric
creature named
after them?
This one is a tall tale, with no truth

to it. The famous French leader was
of average height for a European

man in the 1800s. His men called him
“le petit caporal” (the little corporal),
but this was not meant to make him

feel small. Instead, it was a term of
endearment toward their emperor.

Left-hander Napoleon made
his army march on the right so
he could brandish his sword
freely at approaching traffic—
MONEY MATTERS most European countries
still drive on the right.

It is possible that Napoleon
appeared shorter than 5’6”
(1.7 m) because his guardsmen
had to be at least 6’0” (1.8 m).
They also wore tall bearskin
caps, adding 18 in (46 cm)
to their height. Throughout
history, leaders have lined
up in all different sizes, from
Portraits of leaders have been used towering President Abraham
to gain influence throughout history. In Lincoln to tiny Queen Victoria.
ancient Roman times, the emperor was
depicted as a god on coins to boost his
status, from the time of Augustus until
the end of the empire. Today the heads The average height of a
French leader today is
of monarchs and influential people are 5’9” (1.75 m), not much
featured on national coins and notes. bigger than Napoleon.

US_330-331_309600_Leaders.indd 330 19/12/17 3:50 pm