Simplify the following text for a Grade 7 native English-speaking person.
Original: Prosper MÃ rimÃ e ( 28 September 1803 â `` 23 September 1870 ) was a French dramatist , historian , archaeologist , and short story writer .
Simplified: Prosper MÃ rimÃ e ( September 28 , 1803 -- September 23 , 1870 ) was a French writer . He was also historian and archaeologist .