Arnaude de Rocas

Arnaude de Rocas (Greek: Μαρία Συγκλητική, Maria Syglitiki, Arnalda di Roca; died 1570) is a legendary figure from Cyprus, remembered there as a martyr of the Ottoman–Venetian War (1570–1573).

Biography According to legend, Maria (Arnalda) was the daughter of Eugene Syglitikos (Zegno Singlitico, count of Roccas/Rochas), who was killed in battle when the Ottoman Turks took Nicosia, capital of Cyprus, on 9 September 1570 after a long siege. Allegedly, she died in an explosion one or two days thereafter. It is said that she managed to set fire to the powder kegs of the ship, while the ship was still in Famagusta Bay.

Arnaude had come to the front lines to help prepare bandages for the wounded fighters who were defending the fort, which was the custom for women at that time.