# Here's an interesting and largely forgotten historical character: Giovanni Batista Vantura aka. Jean-Baptiste Ventura (Buonavantura). Son of a Sephardi merchant from the Dutchy of Modena, he joined Napoleonic forces, and after the wars went to India where he helped modernize a Sikh army. He was made a General, a Supreme Judge, and a Governor of Lahor. He returned to Europe later in life. Was awarded Order of Legion of Honor. Sikhs built a monument for him and placed it in Finale Emilia where he was born. # Giovanni Battista Ventura converted to Christianity before his death in 1858.