Politian. 1454-94. First vernacular Italian poem 1475.

Polk, James. 1795-1849 US Democratic president 1845-. Oregon Question. Mexican War. “54°40' or fight”.

Pollaiuolo, Antonio del. 1431/2-98. Florentine bronze sculptor, painter. Pioneered dissection in anatomy. Hercules and Antaeus 1470s. Martyrdom of St. Sebastian 1475.

Pollock, Jackson. 1912-56. US abstract expressionist painter. Dripped paint on canvas.

Polo, Marco. c1254-1324. Venetian traveller to China 1275-92.Travels of Marco Polo 1298.

Pol Pot. 1925-98. Cambodian Communist Khmer Rouge leader. Arrested 1997.

Poltava, Battle. 1709. Russia defeats Swedish invasion, becomes a power. Northern War.

Polyanov, Peace. 1634. Poland receives Smolensk for recognizing first Romanov czar, Michael.

Polybius. c200-118BC. Greek historian. 40 vol History of Rome.

Polycleitus. 5C BC. Classical Greek sculptor. Proportion and rhythm. Spear Bearer.

Polycrates. -522BC. Samos tyrant c535-. Aided Persians vs Egypt.

Polygnotus. c500-440BC. Classical Greek painter.

Polyphemus. Cyclops blinded by Ulysses.

Polytheism. Belief in multiple gods.

Pombal, Marquês de. 1699-1782. Portuguese. Led reconstruction after 1755 Lisbon earthquake.

Pomerania. Baltic area including Danzig. Independent duchy 11-17C.

Pompadour, Mme de. 1721-64. Louis XV’s intelligent, beautiful mistress. Built École Militaire. Sponsored Petit Trianon, Place de la Concorde.

Pompeii. Destroyed 79 by Vesuvius eruption. Rediscovered 1592.

Pompeius, Sextus. 67-35BC. Pompey’s son. Fought Caesar after father’s death.

Pompey. 106-48BC. Roman triumvir with Caesar and Crassus; defeated by Caesar.

Pompidou, Georges. 1911-74. French statesman, Prime Minister 1962-68, President 1969-. Fifth Republic Constitution.

Pompidou Centre. Beaubourg. 1972-7. Architects: Rogers and Piano. Paris modernistic art and activity center.

Ponce de León, Juan. 1460-1521. Spanish discoverer of Florida 1513. Sought fountain of youth.

Poncelet, Jean. 1788-1867. French mathematician. Projective geometry.

Pondicherry. 1674. French colony. 1954 joined India.

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