Famous Military Leaders

There have been many great military leaders throughout the history of the world. These men and women had many similar traits including the ability to inspire their troops and the ability to develop winning battle plans and tactics. Who are the most famous military leaders of all time? Below we have a list of 5 of the most famous followed by another 5 for a total of 10. We have included military leaders from ancient history and modern day leaders. When coming up with these lists we realized that there were several other individuals who deserved to be on it but unfortunately had to be excluded. Please read on for interesting facts and information, written for both adults and kids, about these amazing people.

Top 5 Most Famous Military Leaders of All Time

Napoleon Bonaparte (1769 - 1821)

Perhaps the most famous military leader of all time is Napoleon Bonaparte. This military genius used his abilities to conquer most of Europe often beating overwhelming odds. He was Emperor of France from 1804 to 1815. He was finally defeated at Waterloo where it took a coalition of European forces to defeat him.

Alexander the Great (356 - 323 BC)

Alexander III, rightfully called Alexander the Great, was the king of the northern ancient Greek state of Macedon. Before reaching his 30th birthday this famous ancient general and king conquered most of the known world. He created one of the largest and most powerful empires of the ancient world.

Erwin Rommel (1891 - 1944)

This World War Two German General is most famous for his tactics in the North African campaign which earned him the nickname Desert Fox. Time-after-time he won amazing victories against a larger and a better supplied enemy. He also led German forces during the invasion of France.

George Washington (1732 - 1799)

This general of the American Revolution led an inexperienced army of colonist on to victory against the mighty British Army. He of course went on to become the first president of the United States of America.

Robert E Lee (1807 - 1870)

This great Civil War General led the South to numerous victories against a larger and better supplied Union army. Like many great leaders he ended up being defeated but his military genius has made him famous.

Other Famous Military Leaders

Trajan (53 - 117 AD)

Emperor of Rome he was also a skilled military leader. Under his command ancient Rome reached its widest control.

William T. Sherman (1820 - 1891)

Sherman was a Union General during the American Civil War. He was ahead of his times in understanding and implementing "total warfare" which he utilized in his famous March to the Sea.

Genghis Khan (1162 - 1227 AD)

This famous military leader created the largest empire the world has ever seen; covering almost all of Asia and stretching into eastern Europe. He and his Mongol army were for a long time unbeatable. He often defeated armies that had greater numbers and better equipment.

Hannibal Barka (247 - 183 BC)

He led the Carthaginian army against the Roman Empire in the Second Punic War. Time after time, often outnumbered and with little supplies, he defeated the Roman army. He was eventually defeated but is forever famous for almost ending the Roman Empire.

The Duke of Wellington (1769 - 1852)

Famed for beating Napoleon Bonaparte at Waterloo which was only one of his many amazing victories. This English military leader is perhaps one of the best defensive generals of all time. At Waterloo he held off the French offensive until reinforcements could arrive.