Pocahontas, whose real name was Matoaka, was the daughter of Powhatan, an important chief of the Algonquin Indians (the Powhatans) who lived in the Virginia region in 1600. Although she is known for one of the most important decisions that he took up later in his life, the life he led before can be considered somewhat normal. A young girl, around twelve years old, Pocahontas was already introduced to and aware of the world around her. The English settlers arrived in Jamestown, or America, and almost immediately increased tensions between the English and the Indians of the Powhatan tribe. Pocahontas, being the daughter of the very powerful chief, took on the role of peacemaker; her people loved and respected her immensely and she became well-liked by the English colonists. In 1607, Pocahontas committed a heroic act that is still being researched today. Other than Captain John Smith, there are no other sources and/or evidence to confirm the event. However, the story is said to have happened that Captain John Smith was leading an expedition when suddenly the Indians took him prisoner. The great chief forced Smith to lie down on two large flat stones, and the Indians stood over him with clubs as if ready to beat him to death if ordered to do so. Suddenly, Pocahontas, only twelve years old, emerged and ran to Smith's side and placed her body on top of his, appearing as if she wanted to sacrifice herself. As a result of Pocahontas' courageous act, she saved Smith, and relations between the Indians and the English continued to be generally friendly. (Fausz “Pocahontas”; Townsend “Pocahontas”). Despite Pocahontas' efforts to make peace between the two sides, war eventually broke out. In 1613, the English kidnapped Pocahontas. They wanted to use her as a hostage in negotiations with the Indians. The British were certain that her father would redeem his daughter and resolve the war, but her father acted far from it