George was a Roman soldier of Greek origin, who was sentenced to death for failing to recant his Christian faith in 303 AD. His name is associated with the popular story of the dragon. According to the legend, there was a city in Africa plagued by a venom-spewing dragon. The monster dwelled in a freshwater pond and demanded a human sacrifice each day to allow the people access to the water. The victims were selected by lottery, and one day the lot fell on the king's daughter. As the young virgin awaited her terrible fate, Saint George arrived at the spot by chance. He charged the dragon on horseback and seriously wounded it. Then he brought the monster to town, where he slayed it, once the citizens had promised to convert to Christianity.