What's a reference to a historical figure called?

Answer 1

Allusion: a reference made to a famous person, place, or event. Allusions can refer to historical events, geographic locations, Bible verses, mythology, poems, stories, characters, music, movies, plays, or art. Allusions conjure up complex images, ideas, or emotions in just a few words or phrases. Readers must recognize references for them to be effective, so allusions should be familiar to the author's intended audience. Figuratively Speaking. The Learning Works: 2004