Michael of Rhodes

Now this is what should be done for all historical persons - make a great website detailing their accomplishments.

From the Michael of Rhodes website:
In 1401 a young man named Michael of Rhodes joined the Venetian navy as a lowly galley oarsman. Over the next four decades, he sailed on more than 40 voyages and took part in five major sea battles, rising through the ranks to become a trusted galley commander.

Maybe I'm just a sucker for manuscripts....