Emilie Plater-Zyberk was born in Wilno (now Vilnius) in Lithuania in 1806. To her mother's despair, the young Emilie became fascinated by history and military matters at a young age and shunned more 'female interests'. On frequent visits to Poland Emilie was inspired by the Polish nationalist cause and, in 1830, led a rabble of armed peasants against the Russian occupiers and took possession of the fort at Dünaberg. Although soon overwhelmed, Emilie escaped to join the rebel army under General Gulud. Her bravery in battle was rewarded with a promotion to Captain of the 1st regiment of Lithuania. Caught in a Russian ambush in 1831, Emilie was badly wounded and died on 23 December in a forest in Samogitie. Emilie's exploits have been immortalised in Hickiewicz's poem 'Death of a Colonel', and her portrait appears on the 20 Zlotis bill.