Vote + to improve this toplist's ranking
Report Abuse

Greatest Generals in History

124 items ranked

This is a list of the greatest generals ever in world history.

Rated 76 points - posted 14 years ago by shazy in category People.
Click on up and down arrows to affect item's ranking



Pages:
1

1.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Frederick II of Prussia Report Abuse
1797 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 9 comments
Comments:
I consider Julius Caesar above Old Fritz....
Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
All I can say is Napoleon admired Frederick
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Frederick II is great, but is he really rank 1? If Genghis Khan or any other Mongol general is a bright sun, Frederick is just a little firefly
Added 11 years ago by guest, -14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
i hate him
Added 11 years ago by guest, -17 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He always fought against superior forces but could maintain his stand. In that bhe can only be compared to Alexander the Great. He managed to keep and enlarge the Prussian territorry against Austria, France and Russia which he fought alltogether.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 16 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He had many defeats, but he never gave up. His defeats were many because he was always agressive, though his forces were mostly not superior. He was often near the brink of total annihilation but he always managed to save himself. Therefore he was a great army leader. His men followed him everywhere.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Napoleon Studied Frederick so he will not repeat his mistakes.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
not great, because he had many defeats
Added 12 years ago by Samuil Svinin, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
No less a general than Napoleon studied Frederick and thought him one of history's great Generals. No doubt he should be rated higher.
Added 13 years ago by debreese, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

2.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck Report Abuse
The General of the German Eastern Africa trrops. He led 4 years long a war against an owerwhelming, ten times stronger British force, without ever being defeated. He won all his battles.
1710 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
He used guerrilla tactics and never fought the allies in a pitched battle
Added 9 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Maybe the only general on this list who never lost a battle. Not only did he never lose a battle, he had always less forces than the ennemy. After the war even the surviving local, east-african auxiliary troops hold him in high esteem. And the British did the same - of course.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
After the war he was very much renowned in Germany, but he never liked the Nazis. When they wanted to make him general, he rejected.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

3.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
King David Report Abuse
1663 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 18 comments
Comments:
The bible shows him as a great king and it shows he defeated several neighboring kingdoms and shaped Israel to a great extent
Added 7 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
We know him as a man of the bible but not a general
Added 9 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was not a Muslim. Muslims did not exist before the first Muslim, Muhammad lived 1500 years after David. Read history books!
Added 9 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
By blood he was jewish.By religion he was a muslim(one who submitted his will to the only GOD).
Added 9 years ago by guest, -17 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was not a musilum he was a jewish person
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He might have been a wise man and a leader, but that doesnt make him a good general
Added 10 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
well i got some knowledge about because he was a muslim and mentioned in quran .he deserves this rank.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
We know almost nothing about King David as a General. What a nonsense. Have you ever read the Bible? It is full of stories about him.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
We know almost nothing about King David as a general. We have no knowledge of him as a general, what tactics he used, or even if he commanded his armies by himself. We might as well put "King Arthur" or "Agamemnon" on this list.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is still today the great hope of the religious Jews, because they think he will reign again.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The real King David was never more than a tribal leader.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -25 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He certainly did win some of the greatest wars ever fought and shaped the world as we know it, but his success was not entirely by his own skill.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 28 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he was a superior commander and didn't lose a single battle
Added 11 years ago by guest, 16 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
had an army with gold shields and weapons, but king shlomo should also be here
Added 11 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
A joke, right? He doesn't even belong in top thousand!
Added 11 years ago by guest, -27 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
There is some doubt that King David ever existed, so he may not merit inclusion on this list.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -26 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
it is not fair to list him here, since he had the assistance of God
Added 12 years ago by guest, 21 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He conquered Sinai, parts of the Red sea in Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Israel and parts of Southern Turkey.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 30 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

4.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Alexander the Great Report Abuse
An undefeated general whose empire streched from Greece to India.
1107 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 17 comments
Comments:
He won mostly due to advanced tech. His phalanx were longer than any other the world had seen and his father laid the foundation for Macedonian phalanx which would be the reason for his victories and overconfident Persians.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 18 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
According to Hannbial he was the best general of ancient era, and i think he knew what he was talking about. Defintely top 10. 48 place is a joke
Added 10 years ago by guest, 35 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
China has many good generals. Baiqi etc., Alexander couldn't beat them if he is able to get there.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
the greatest military commander of all time... superb leader...commander at 14 , general at 18 and emperor at 20....If not for malaria(or some tropical d ease) , it would have conquered India and even China.... For god sake he was 32 at the time if his death ans he conquered 22k KM of land....
Added 11 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
.The war between Alexander and The Persian empire was like a war between a fly and an elephant. The Persians were fighting in their homeland whereas Alexander was fighting hundred of miles from his native country Macedonia, separated from his home by broken landscapes made by the Mediterranean Sea without a navy,poor in manpower and resources and there was also the risk of rebellion against him in the city states of Greece. And don't forget Alexander was just 21 when he started his campaign and by 25 he won all large battles he faced(the last large battle involving large enemy army was the battle of Gaugamela). And he was also the head of the Government(King) of his country. He also had to worry about the political matters of his country unlike Khalid who was only a military general serving under Khalifs Abu Bakr and Umar respectively, who were the heads of the government.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Alexander had no navy and yet he conquered the city of Tyre in Lebanon which situated on a Island half a mile away from the coast and which was surrounded fully by a city wall and had a strong navy. It was thought to be impossible to take the city without having a strong navy. And yet Alexander did this by building a causeway through the sea. It is a prove that Alexander was a great problem solver and ultimate innovator in military science. When he started his campaign against the Persian empire in 334 bc with just 30,000 infantry and 6,000 cavalry who could imagine that he would soon conquer the whole of the Persian Empire(The only one super power of the world at that time). At that time Alexander's domain was of the size of Nicaragua and the Persian Achaemenid empire was as large as mainland USA(excluding the overseas territories like Alaska, Hawaii etc.) The Persian empire could raise an army of almost a million men and had a huge navy in the Mediterranean Sea. They also had almost endless resources. And also Alexander faced one unified Empire Rather than two rival infighting empires(Persian Sassanid and Byzantine) unlike Khalid Bin. The Persian Achaemenid empire ruled most of the lands of later Sassanid and Byzantine empires alone. The Byzantine and Sassanid empire fought a 26 year long war(from 602 AD to 628 AD) just before the start of the Islamic conquest and severely bleeded each other of manpower and other resources. It opened the way for the conquests of Khalid Bin. But Persians didn't face any such colossal war before the conquest of Alexander as it was the only empire of its time in the then known world and had no rival of equal size. So it was full of various resources and manpower.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Give Alexander just 30,000-40,000 infantry, 6,000 cavalry and he will route any army up to quarter of a million. In both battles of Issus and Gaugamela the persian main army lead by emperor Darius III was this big and even then he was soundly beaten. Alexander's army was mostly infantry and persian army had 49,000- 50,000 cavalry. In most of the battles of world history, when a large cavalry force met a large infantry in open spaces the cavalry routed the infantry. For example in the battle of Cannae the strong Carthagian cavalry along with their infantry virtually wiped out the 85,000 strong roman legion. In the battle of Carrahae in 53 bc the 43,000 strong roman legion lead by general Crassus was annihilated by only 9,000 horse archers and 1,000 heavy cavalry of Parthian empire lead by general Surena. And yet Alexander found way to counter this common phenomena of war.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I would love to see alexander deploying an army far superior in numbers and weapons against Khilid BIn AL waleed. People should really read about Khalid. Shame that Khalid is even considered in the same list as some of theses men.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This was the way of fighting of Khalid. He first raided one or more of the enemy settlements and before the enemy army could come he fall back to the edge of desert. He engaged the enemy their so that if he lost or the battle went unfavorably to his side he could quickly flee deep inside the deserts. After all Arabs were desert people and they had quick sturdy horses. This is how Khalid and the Arabs escaped when they lost the battle of M'utah against the Byzantines. Alexander had no place to fall back. If he had lost he and his army would have been massacred by the Persians.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
what are you talking about? At the battle of Issus the persian army was more than 6 times the size of the mecidonian army. At Arabala the Persian army was more than 5 times. and yet Alexander won those battles. Khalid was successful only in the deserts or dry arid climates of Jordan, Syria, Palestine,Lebanon and Iraq. He retired before the Arab army marched into the plateau of Iran. So Khalid was victorious only in the dry arid terrains like his homeland Arab Peninsula. On the contrary Alexander's home country Macedonia had mild dry warm climate with green vegetation. Yet he was victorious in the deserts of middle east, Plateaus of Iran, mountains of Afghanistan, Steppes of central asia(Uzbakistan and Tazikistan) and jungles of India(present day Pakistan). He was a great genius of military science. Only Genghis Khan can be compared with him.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Alexander the great did not face the same odds as khalid and he also never lost a battle. Over rated much!
Added 11 years ago by guest, 30 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
nice point. In Transoxania, he faced heavy casualties from Sparangis. In order to keep locals from rebelling married local Roksana and went to India.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was afraid to attack western Transoxania , the land of Sako-Massagettaes (who defeated Cyrus and Darius), so he married Roxana of Sogdiana to keep his rule in Transoxania and went to India.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 19 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
remember it was his father that planned the persian campaign not him
Added 11 years ago by guest, 32 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
the greatest strategy mind ever.. and at the age of 25... he created an empiere and he did what enybody couldn't do... i think is the number one.... the greatest of the greatests... from Greece to India... if he he wasn't exist now we all be persian babarbars leading by kings and denocrasy will be an aknown word.. must juge the generall by what he did for in all the leveles not only in the battlefield...
Added 12 years ago by trainspoter, 12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Alexander the lame is so over rated to the point that its almost laughable :/
Added 13 years ago by guest, 18 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he was too ambitious, his men eventually was exhausted and wants to go back home. his influence over his qonquests declined and his empire shattered right after his death. genius general though, but not number one. maybe 2.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 34 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

5.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Hannibal Report Abuse
Biggest threat to early Roman history
1009 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 30 comments
Comments:
he could have beat the flipping crud out of rome if wanted to
Added 4 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hannibal received about no help from Carthage and still beat Rome three straight times. The only reason he did not invade Rome was because he was undersupplied. To besiege Rome then would have been suicide. Also, he lost many men crossing the Alps. He then got several men who did not speak his language. At Zama, Scipio had studied Hannibal's tactics after all, he was there at Cannae. Hannibal, on the other hand, was facing a brilliant general who he had never faced and had better equipped troops. The battle at Zama was in Scipio's favor. Overall, I think Hannibal ranks in the top three at the least.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
A good general, was able to campaign in Italy even while under severe limitations (lack of supply, use of mercenary forces, lack of siege equipment, campaign in enemy territory)
Added 8 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Failed to Capture any significant City? You do know he captured Capua which was the second biggest in Italy. Also you can NOT say one General is better than another just because they "Never Lost a battle". Hannibal' father never lost to the Romans in the first Punic war and who was a greater General out of him and his father? Point made.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hannibal was drastically outnumbers through his entire campaign fight land battles which was Rome wanted to fight, instead of the sea battles that Carthage preferred. He lead one of the first multi-national armies, consisting of Iberians, Celts, Numidians, and Carthaginians; none of whom even speak the same language as the other culture. He marched through the alps to Italy where he had never been but consistently used the weather to is advantage as well as terrain. Then at the battle of Cannae he not only defeated a vastly superior army in both number and equipment, but he invented the pincer offensive which is still used today. In fact the Allie in WWII used it to defeat Rommel in Africa. The only reason he didn't conquer Rome was the Romans melted the bronze off their temples, turned it into weapons and created three new legions which would have made an assault on Rome suicide. Hannibal wasn't getting into Rome period. He then returned to Carthage with the Carthaginians of his army, which as a small portion of his army against the might of Rome. Didn't stand a chance, no matter how good he was.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Quite good general, but Alexander, Caesar, Rommel and Genghis Khan were better. After all, Hannibal didn't conquer Rome, even though he could have. And eventually he lost the second punic war
Added 8 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He got defeated by Gaius Scipio Africanus so he should be above
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was good but helped by BA and The Face. Murdock was unhinged though.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
ALEXANDER THE GREAT SHOULD BE IN FIRST PLACE. He was a much greater strategist than Hannibal. Hannibal won most of his battles by ambushing the enemy army. Alexander fought Darius face-to-face with a worn out army against Darius's fresh new mounted units based army, in open ground! Hannibal had the support of most roman slaves and many gladiators, kinda like Spartacus. But he had huge terrain advantages when fighting with the Romans. He ambushed most of them.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I think Hannibal lived long before Caesar or Rommel, therefore he could not place them on his list! Did you get it?
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hannibel put himself on the list of greatest generals of ancient times on third place, after Alexander the Great and Pyrrhos of Epirus. If hannibal is fifth Alexander should be above, I'm not sure about Pyrrhos.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
yes but you must in reference to the first comment that hannibal was fighting against an organized and probably one of the most disciplined armies in history, and they too had nearly endless resources and along the way hannibal got absolutely zero reinforcements and yet managed to win countless battles, and he would have conquered Rome but carthage didn't send him the necassary supplies and said they would not support his campaign, so even if he did conquer the city it wouldn't be accepted in the carthaginian empire
Added 11 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
some of you might also think 'Hannibal should be rated first place!' but did u know Hannibal lost against Scipio Africanus at the battle of Zama. and Alexander the Great never lost a battle! so: Question) who is better Hannibal or Alexander the Great? Answer) Alexander the Great who never lost a battle.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hannibal, was a good thinker and a military genus, but he deserves 2nd place because unlike Alexander the great he did not capture the enemy capital. some of you think he was alfull and you might say 'how is this guy a military genus?' i reply saying 'Hannibal nearly made rome surrender after defeating the romans at the battles of Trebia, Tasamine and Cannae. after the battle of Cannae he killed 60,000 romans in one day!
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Best general ever my favourite
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
What's more, Hannibal failed to do anything in Italy after Cannae, failing to capture Rome or any other significant city. The Romans simply avoided a decisive battle with him, causing him to besiege the cities, losing many men. Instead, he should have returned to Cathage and strengthened his army.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
great general but overrrated, because a simple reason: scipio soundly beat him at Zama. hannibal had Cannae, Scipio had Ilipa: similar victories. so why hannibal apears frist than scipio? a good question, no?
Added 11 years ago by guest, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hannibal was't imprisoned by Romans. Romans could not get him alive. Also Hannibal fought in front line. In the battle of Cannae(216 B.C.) Hannibal fought in front line of the middle of Carthaginian center formation taking great personal danger. Also remember that he was fighting on foot rather than on horseback.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hannibal Was Imprisoned By Romans, While Khalid Bin Waleed Not Make Rome Able To Arrest Him. So Khalid Is Great Whose Tactics Are Unbeatable. And He Always Fought Front ,Not Like Hannibal From Back. Hannibal Should Be 2nd Bcoz he would have minimum large army than khalid.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hannibal ultimately lost the war and the Carthagian Empire was destroyed. So Hannibal does not deserve to be at no 1 place. At best Hannibal could be called a tragic hero for his people who tried to return the formet glory to his home country and utterly failed.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
How does a guy who LOST, bungled every attempt to get the Italian allies on his side, presided over the beginning of the end of his country, and finally ran off to Asia Minor to committ suicide...come in as Number ONE??!!
Added 11 years ago by guest, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Khalid ibn walid was by far the best. Hannibal should be 4th.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hannibal without a doubt is one of the greatest but i wouldn't go so far as to call him the best. At Cannae he anihilated the Romans when he was outnumbered around 3 to 1. Scipio Africanus shouldn't be considered as it was actually his father that dealt the crushing blow to the carthaginians in Spain and thus gave his son the opening to attack Carthage outright. Thus Hannibal was forced to return to Africa with what little troops he had after 10 years of no reenforcements to try and save the people that were not helping him finish the war. Only Alexander the Great can say that he did more.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Not sure why he's so high. He feel's exaggerated. He was a great tactician, but he usually won with a cavalry advantage. And if he had more reinforcements he probably could have carved out an carthiginian empire but he isn't the best.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hanninal Barca is, in my opinion, the greast general in world history. He almost brought down the Roman Empire singlehandedly with no reinforcements from Carthage. He usually had less than half the troops that the Romans had, yet he still out maneuvered them in every battle. The only reason i that i feel he lost is because Carthage did not send him any reinforcements. If he had recieved the necessary backup, we would probably be reading about the Carthaginian Empire in our History classes, not the Romans.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
i diagree crossin the alps cost 25,00 men he ouldnt strike a final blow i believ the roman writters made him better than what he was becuase when he was defeated they didnt want scipio to beat someone who really wasnt a military genius becyase it would look good
Added 11 years ago by guest, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Alone for briunging elephants over the Alps he deserves a honourable place in history. And he did in Italy for some time what he wanted! In the living room ov the Romans!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hannibal is truly one of the greatest general in the world but he was defeated because he often use the same tactics. He deserves at least the 5th spot.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Scipio Africanus beat him? Twice? Where is Scipio on this list?? He is generally thought to be on par with Napoleon, though is often overlooked because the sources are scarce.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
It was actually the Gauls
Added 13 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

6.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Erwin Rommel Report Abuse
984 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 11 comments
Comments:
Great leader and honorable soldier
Added 6 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Mastered the art of tank warfare. Very much like Patton in this respect. Capable of maneuvering and striking the enemy where it hurt the most. Only lost due to lack of supplies.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Why does it matter how tall he is
Added 10 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was not THAT great! Indeed, he was just 1,72 cm from tip to toe.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was not that great general like people think.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I would have to say, Erwin Rommel has to be one of the greatest generals in WW2. He was known as the Desert Fox in his African campaign and was pretty darn good at defending the Atlantic wall. Though, if it wasn't for Hitler going all cray cray, the allies wouldn't have invaded Normandy...... But then he was envolved in the conspiracy about killing Hitler, but all he wanted to do was to put Hitler into a court to decide his fate ( If you think about it, I guess he would have been set the death sentence, soooooooo) So in order to protect his family, he took a cyanide pill and was pronounced dead.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was envolved in the conspiracy against Hitler. To save the life of his family he commited suicide.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 15 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Was also a great officer in First World War. Would capture several times the amount of prisoners of his own troop numbers.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Would have won the war if hitler did not micro manage, and and let him run the war.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
best general at WW2. only defeated by the weight of allied numbers. loved by his troops and merciful with his POW's, unlike many other germen leaders.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 21 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Overrated, he had good men and capable troops. But he could do well with small amounts of troops.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -41 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

7.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Hermann der Cherusker Report Abuse
Also known as Arminius. He was the German leader who brought the biggest defeat to a Roman army ever. The total annihilation of three legions in the Teutoburger Forest. This caused the end of the Roman plans to conquer Germany. His plan how to seduce the Roman armies in territorry, where they lost their abilities was clever.
951 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 7 comments
Comments:
I would consider him to be a better tactician than a general. The only reason he won the battle of the Teutoburg Forest was because he tricked the Romans into sending their legions in, and instructed their commander to move into the ambush.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The unknown hero of the western european history. They should erect him a Monument in London, Paris, Brussels and in any other town.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
unified many german tribes against the romans, probably a greater political feat than any military victory
Added 10 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Thanks to him the Western World was not to become latinized! Central man of history, enshrined in unknowneness
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Annihiklating three Roman legions in the teutonic forests was one thing, but the bigger performance was that he managed to resist the Romans all these followong years. They chased him with all means, even treachery, which finally fell him. But his resistance brought the Romans to abandon the plan to conquer Germany.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The Romans stole his wife and children. Nevertheless he did not surrender and lived for years with his troops in the forest. He managed to keep the Romans at bay and they gave up plans to conquer Germany. He is responsible for Germany not being latinized. Germany not being latinized means the Saxons, who ere among the Germanic tribes and moved to Britain 400 years later, were also not latinized and Britain not romanized. Arminius is therefore also a man of British history.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Certainly one of the most underrated army leaders at all. How he out-manouvred the superior Roman troops in many years is astonishing. He could stand the Romans like no other anti-roman force. he could only be overcome by treachery. This was his end. So much stuff for a Hollywood film. He started as a hostage in Roman hands, got his education there and even military merits, but his plans were different. Great story!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

8.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Alexander Suvorov Report Abuse
(1729-1800) Russia's greatest general, he was never defeated in his entire career- a feat never seen since the days of Alexander the Great or Genghis Khan. So successful on his final campaign against the french revolutionaries, Austria cut off his supplies, betraying him seeing he was overly successful. He was forced to retreat through the french alps- and while his depleted army was checked many times, he never lost a single battle. He died right before the napoleonic wars- and the question of him vs Napoleon lives on.
941 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 5 comments
Comments:
Guys, please... Suvorov diserves a better rating
Added 10 years ago by guest, 21 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
"Russia's greatest general" Ivan the terrible easy outranks him with the innovation of guns he started the Russian empire in 1400's and he was the first czar of Russia. Might of beeb crazy but still better than above...
Added 12 years ago by guest, -10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
brave warrior, greatest general of the all time
Added 12 years ago by Samuil Svinin, 23 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
One of the greatest generals human kind made.Second only to Genghis khan.Not only tactician but great patron of his soldiers.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 23 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Cold, steel bayonets and bullets in reserve. Genius tactician.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 21 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

9.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Erich von Manstein Report Abuse
918 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 8 comments
Comments:
The best general of the 20th century. He defeated France within WEEKS, and led the Operation Barbarossa, the biggest military operation in WW2. While retreating from Russia, his damaged armoured division was surrounded in the pit of Cherkass, ridicoulusly outnumbered by the Red Army. He managed to break out, save most of his men, and kill 2 times more Reds than his whole army! And no warcrimes were committed on his watch, he prohibited his men to terrorise the civillians, and refused to deport the jews. A true general.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was the best Nazi General. Manstein never beat Zhukov. His strategy of attacking France through the Ardennes showed his excellent grasp of strategy and the operational art. He needed a terribly timid opponent (France) to have his strategy work. Any decent commander could have decimated the 100 mile long German army column when it was very vulnerable in the Ardennes.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was possible the best general of 20th century.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should be higher in the list.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 15 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Needs to be in top 10 but not above Napoleon. Reasons for top 10 is battle of France, Sevastopol, and 3rd Khakov. I mean Kharkov in itself is enough to put him on this list simply by retreating a beaten Nazi army from a force 5 times it's size. Then there's France possibly the most innovative operation and successful campaigns of all time.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was genius, outnumberd by 200,000 troops he smashed zukov and retook kharkov. I personaly think if he was in overal charge from day one, Germany would have won
Added 11 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
It should be noted that in WW II Germany had many good army commanders, but they were not free in their decisions since the Nazis had always the last word. It was a boon for the allies that Hitler so often intermingled. If Hitler would have led the war to his generals... at least the war would have lasted much longer or - they would have ende d it before defeat.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Horribly underrated. Best general of WW2, not many people know that invasion of France, the way it was carried out , was his idea. Reduced the fortress of Sevastopol and stopped the Soviet juggernaut in early 1943 after a brilliant battle around Kharkov. Genius.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

10.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Prince Eugene of Savoy Report Abuse
The Austrian Empire's greatest general. Fought the Turks and the French in a long career
891 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 4 comments
Comments:
One of the seven (7) great captains and the only one whose campaigns Napoleon thought noteworthy for posterity.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Yes, he was a great general having crushed the Turks at Zenta and Petrovaradin and the French, yet he wouldn't be so great if it weren't for John Churchil, duke Marlboro. At Malplaquet 1709 they lose to an inferior French army and at Denain 1712 he's completely crushed by Villars. That's why he shouldn't be ranked so high, ahead of generals far greater than him.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Khalid should be number #1 Then alexander #2 Then saladin #3 Then ghenis khan #4 Then napoleon #5 Then hanibal #6
Added 11 years ago by guest, -10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he not only fought teh Turks. He set Eastern Europe free of them. At least he started a long series of victories against the muslim threat. Finally the turks retreated almost totally from Eastern Europe, setiing Europe free from this asian culture.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

11.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Heinz Guderian Report Abuse
The true father of the Blitzkrieg. He was Rommel's corps commander in France '40. Also spearheaded the most important panzer attack on Russia, until hindered by Hitler. His arguments and subsequent dismissals by Hitler were legendary, and possibly saved Russia from defeat.
843 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 4 comments
Comments:
Most tactical general who invented tank warefare
Added 7 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Surely he masterfully perfomed the blitzkrieg. But the russian marshal Tukhachevsky was the one who invented. (Although the germans had really enhanced it)
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
If only he and not Hitler would have commanded the German armies...
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he was great until the russian campaign and his defeat at Tula in 1941. the father of Blitzkrieg, but also with the habit of making errors on crucial times. clearly overrated!
Added 11 years ago by guest, -22 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

12.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Helmuth Karl Bernhard von Moltke Report Abuse
814 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 1 comment
Comments:
who?
Added 4 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

13.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Scipio Africanus Report Abuse
799 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 13 comments
Comments:
Why is Scipio way down here?? He defeated Hannibal therefore he should be above there with Hannibal
Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He learned from earlier Roman defeats against Hannibal. Learning from the past is a great skill. He finally defeated Hannibal himself. But I doubt, if had beaten Hannibal at Cannae, when Hannibal was at his best.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Scipio never lost a battle the reason why he won against the Carthaginians was his tactics and the Carthaginian generals not working together. He became a general at the age of 24
Added 9 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Scipio @ 31????? He NEVER lost a battle. He is Top 5 of alltime...
Added 11 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Scipio saved the Roman Empire and defeated Hannibal and the much larger Carthaginian empire. When Rome was about to give in to Hannibal he took over the armies of Rome and got the "come back" win. Personally, i think he is better than Hannbal.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
the nº2 of classical era, only alexander was better. see ilipa on google, his greatest battle. absurdly underrated!
Added 11 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Africa does not derive its name from Scipio but rather the opposite. The agnomen "Africanus" was given to Scipio as the "defeater of Africa."
Added 12 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Name a general badass enough to have a continent named after them... Not the greatest dad though.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
So he beat Hannibal once big deal. Everyone knows that the only good Carthaginian general of that time was only Hannibal beating his other generals would be easy.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
One of the greatest generals ever. Never lost a single battle and always winning against all odds and conspiracies. The ingenious maneuver against another TITAN like Hannibal it is something to stand up front many generals, only behind Alexander
Added 13 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Read Liddell Hart's new book on Scipio: the first to be published in over 100 years due to the scarcity of sources. Scipio must logically be ranked higher than Hannibal since he beat him and destroyed his empire through good generalship.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Just the one major victory in his credentials
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I don't think Scipio Africanus was really that great.
Added 13 years ago by shazy, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

14.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Moshe Dayan Report Abuse
792 points - added 12 years ago by Samuil Svinin - 1 comment
Comments:
To be realistic. In Israel there are a lot of Generals like him. Moshe defeated the united arab forces in the six days war, but it is questionable if it is such a big feat to defeat arab armies.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

15.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Phillip of Macedon Report Abuse
United the Greek City states through conquest
780 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
He Created a huge army from a small, weak kingdom that Alexander will soon enlarge
Added 10 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
did u know he was Alexander The Great's father! he should be proud of his son!
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
great military leader, great diplomat. founder of macedon empire and league of corinth. he's actually better than his son.
Added 12 years ago by Samuil Svinin, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

16.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Paul von Hindenburg Report Abuse
Greatest general of the WWI. Idol of Adolf Hitler.
755 points - added 12 years ago by Samuil Svinin - 4 comments
Comments:
Simply overrated, as Ludendorff. He was rather a symbol of military progress. The real work was done by Max Hoffmann, Mackensen and others. Hindenburg even took a nap during the Battle of Tannenberg.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hindenburg without Ludendorf.........hmmmm
Added 7 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Idol of Adolf Hitler? Adolf Hitler was angry on him at WW1 because of his order to move to the East, when the German army was on 50km from Paris. Also, he was Hitler's rival from 1930-1933.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Totally overrated, he was certainly not the greatest general in WWI , and he did not like Hitler, which was his best deed
Added 12 years ago by guest, -12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

17.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Charles the martel (the hamer) Report Abuse
he saved Frace from a morner army at tour
752 points - added 11 years ago by banna32 - 2 comments
Comments:
His name was Karl and he was franconian nobleman. It was the last time that Franks and other Germanic tribes fought in union. After the battle of tours the germanic tribes boiled their own cookings. The arab threat was over.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Western civilization would have fallen without Charles Martel's leadership at the Battle of Tours-Poitiers; he is, due to this, the most important general who ever lived, although the best, militarily, was Alexander the Great, followed by Genghis Khan, followed by Octavian (Battle of Actium), followed by Khalid ibn Walid (even though I hate his tactics and the religion he was instrumental in spreading), followed by Timur the Lame, followed by, etc. etc.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

18.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Gustav II Adolf Report Abuse
721 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 4 comments
Comments:
Napoleon admired a lot of people
Added 9 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was an innovator and was responsible for significant reforms in warfare but he wasnt a great strategist at all... or died to soon to prove the opposite :(
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I would have opposed and defeated him!
Added 12 years ago by guest, 11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He would have conquered scandinavia and Germany and taken large parts of Russia if not for his untimely death. He was a master of combined arms and Napoleon admired him.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

19.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Ariel Sharon Report Abuse
719 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 2 comments
Comments:
Ariel helped jews get Israel but lost the trust and influence they had in the arab world .Whats the sense in the gain of a country the size of cailfornia against the the influence and presence the jews once held in more than half the globe (muslim and arab world)? It sounds more like a loss and not a victory ,you judge.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Ariel Sharon saved Israel from destruction in the Yom Kipper war. He turned the war on Israels side.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

20.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Robert E. Lee Report Abuse
Won many victories against the North. Brilliant Commander
703 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 21 comments
Comments:
Robert Lee was one of the best generals of all time. He probably had more victories under overwhelming odds (against) than any other. And, yes, he surrounded himself with great leaders (Jackson, Forest, Stuart), like any great leader would (Bonaparte would be a perfect example). And I'm a Californian. So this doesn't come from a place of Southern Pride. It's just fact.
Added 6 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I believe the greatest aspect of Robert E. Lee's talent was named Stonewall Jackson. With Jackson, he never lost. Without Jackson, he never won. The reason is that it was Jackson who always made the key element of a Lee plan WORK. Without him, Lee continued to make the same plans but no longer had the unique lemon eating Jackson to drive those plans to victory. It would be like hoping for a game winning homer by Aaron only to discover it's now Tommy Aaron at the plate because someone shot Hank at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Lee was a great commander and leader but he made some major mistakes that frankly should keep him out of the top 10. Malvern Hill and Pickett's Charge were major mistakes. Lee showed no desire to ever head West, even as Davis wanted him to do so. There are a lot of comments below that other general under Lee lost his battles--but who put them there. Who named AP Hill or Ewell corps commanders? Who put Jubal Early in charge of the Valley? Robert E. Lee, that's who. Part of being a great commander is choosing good subordinates--and Lee generally did that with Jackson, Longstreet and even Stuart. But he made a lot of major mistakes and needs to stay out of the top 10.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
hold on.. Lee was the best. the loss at gettysburg was becuase his other commanders didn't follow orders. his plan would have worked, and we would be free from this tyranny if not for the mistakes made by OTHERS during that battle
Added 8 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Lee was good general; but not a brilliant one. He lost W Virginia. He is responsible for the disastrous and stupid defeat of his troops at Gettysburg. He made many mistakes, including selecting a few very poor generals (syphilis, drunks, aristocrats who were poor generals). He had poor communication, intelligence and logistics. He was unrealistic and a dreamer of impossible dreams. I'm from the south.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
THE BEST GENERAL EVER!!!
Added 9 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
one of the best generals of the time period. I think that he should be higher on the list because of his greatness
Added 9 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Lee was the best general during the civil war he was given limited amount of men and supplys while the north had endless supply he had great generals but even the best make mistakes greatest of all time no but he is one of the best
Added 9 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
lee was certainley a great general.However he made his share of mistakes,some of which could have cost the confederacy it`s life years before it`s ultimate demise.I`m speaking specically about the Antietam campaign.By invading with a numerically inferior force and then dividing it subsequently giving battle with his back to the Potomac,he risked total annihilation.Had mcclellan commited his reserves on the 18th and hit Lee`s army on either flank it would have been destroyed and the war would have probably soon been over.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Robert E Lee is one of the greatest Generals of all time. His one fault was the fact that he put his army into a situation that was impossible to get out of. He was a good christian man and i believe that he should be higher on the list, because of the tactics and discipline that he had.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I have a quote for everyone who likes to talk about his mistakes, and takes everything they know about Gettysburg from the movie. "After it is all over, as stupid a fellow as I am can see that mistakes were made. I notice, however, that my mistakes are never told me until it is too late." - Robert E. Lee
Added 10 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Love Lee but....he threw away the lives of too many men on the last day of Gettysburg and at Malvern Hill. Often promoted men he should not have--Early, AP Hill, Ewell, sadly I can go on here. He also put VA above the rest of the South. Instead he stayed in VA while Braxton Bragg kept losing battles.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
general robert e. lee was one of the best commanders in history with only several mistakes he should have been numnber one on this list
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was one of the best Generals if all time. He made two major mistakes; he invaded and believed his troops were invincible. While this can improve the moral of an army it will doom a general in the long run. I feel he should be higher than this because is the equivalent to Alexander the Great. He got loyalty because he believed his troops could do it and he excepted blame when it came his way. Many other generals blame their own subordinates for their loss but Robert E. Lee excepted blame for Gettysburg. He is arguably the best general in American History.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
never got an infacon at west point olny person to do so
Added 11 years ago by nathan reed, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Lee has to be higher on this list but Gettysburg was definately a mistake
Added 11 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
a brave loyal man to his home land of the south he faght for the south becase he could't kill his states men
Added 11 years ago by banna32, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
and his lost at Gettysburg was his fault. people blame the others like longstreet when it was his fault. he NEVER wanted to play defence when he should of.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
His victory at Chancellorsville stands among the greatest of all time it is still studied today.HIS PRESENCE alone inspired his men to almost impossible efforts.He was obeyed by his subbordinates because of love and respect not fear.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
alway confident..... never fear Great general he thought his men where invincible but in the end he taste The Great lost of his life
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Always under-manned, but never out-fought.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

21.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
George Castriota Scanderbeg Report Abuse
669 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 10 comments
Comments:
Over 600 books in many languages, portraits, operas and more, he almost became a legend from all his fame over Europe. He was a big barrier, stopping the greatest empire of that time to conquer Western Europe. His statues are over four corners in Europe. He was a member of the Order of the Dragon, only few kings of Europe were part off. He is one of the greatest generals ever-lived, winning all of his battles (exept one) in which most of them beeing heavy outnumbered (1 for 15) and less-equipped. He was highly rated by many big personalities. Once Voltaire (French Great Illuminist) said:¨If Byzantine Empire would have an personality like Skanderbeg in charge, maybe it would continue existing.¨ Works over him were made century after century without stopping, making his personality death-less.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The Athlete of Christendom. The Albanian national hero.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
One of the greatest generals in the worlds history
Added 9 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He fought the greatest Empire (The Ottomans) of his time for nearly 25 years and NEVER lost a battle. Most successful generals were so only for a couple or more years.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Saying he never lost a battle is one thing. Saying he never lost a battle in 25 YEARS AGAINST THE BIGGEST ARMY IN THE WORLD (at the time) IS COMPLETELY ANOTHER. No other general has been able to accomplish such a feat ever, or since!!! He practically stopped the Turks invading Western Europe. He was awarded by the Pope the title of "Champion of Christendom".
Added 9 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He invented military tactics later to be used by Napoleon Bonaparte.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Probably one of the most important legacies of Skanderbeg lies with his military mastery. The trouble that he caused to the Ottoman Empire military forces was such that when the Ottomans found the grave of Skanderbeg in Saint Nicholas, a church in Lezhë, they opened it and made amulets of his bones, believing that these would confer bravery on the wearer.
Added 10 years ago by VSOGOJEVA, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He defeated two bigest Ottoman Invasions of the time leaded by Murati I and Mehmed II and was a barrier of the Ottomans Invasions of Europe.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Greatest guerilla general and mountaineer in history. Often outnumbered 10-1, regularly defeated the super power of the time (Ottoman Turks), most notably Mehemed II (the conqueror of Constantinople).
Added 12 years ago by guest, 21 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
An Albanian who never lost a battle, he defeated Ottoman Invasions and helped his allies in Italy. Then he died and the Ottomans came back
Added 12 years ago by guest, 14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

22.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Charlemagne Report Abuse
646 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 4 comments
Comments:
The division of his kingdom after his death led to the formation of two big powers in wetsren and central Europe in the 9th century. The western part became France and the Eastern part Germany. It would have been better for history if there would have been no division. What combined forces of Germany and France are able to achieve is visible in our peaceful days. The friendship of both nations is a boon to Europe and the whole world.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He made war during his long reign all years long. He was always victorious except in the south. Spain was occupied by the Arabs and Karl did not manage to defeat them! But he defeated the Saxons in the East and - unluckily - forced them to become Catholics. They remained catholics until Luther came.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
His capital was Aachen, which is in Germany. Still today there is the church where his throne is found.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Most people do not know him. No wonder, he lived 1200 years ago. His name was also not Charlemagne. His name was Karl since he was a Frank, a germanic tribesman who managed to enlarge the kingdom pof the FRanks in all directions, mainly comprising what is today western Europe without Spain. The Franks became the new masters of Europe after the Romans declined. Therfeore it was logic that Karl became "Roman" Emperor in the year 800. His followers as Roman Emperors were German kings, since his kingdom was divided after his death, the eastern more powerful part becoming Germany.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

23.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Julius Caeser Report Abuse
Created the Roman Empire
629 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 7 comments
Comments:
Should be fifth or something. One of the greatest, but not as good as Khan and Alexander.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Good commander but GREAT politician.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
his skills laid the foundation of the Roman World empire!
Added 11 years ago by guest, 11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Caesar is given far less credit than he deserves for being, as was Alexander, a fighting General, with the ability to insert himself into a battle and inspire his troops with acts of physical skill and bravado. His special skill seems to have been that he could insert himself into a shield wall like a common soldier then instantly regathering the reigns of a battle when a crisis had passed. There is no doubt that the Legions were the best supplied, best equipped soldiers of the time but in Gaul, in Britain, in Greece and again in North Africa Caesar's legions operated at the very end of a narrow and lengthy logistics chain kept alive in Gaul particularly by the man's singular genius at finding then exploiting tribal rivalries and jealousies. Like all successful generals he was also a consummate gambler and he was happy to gamble his own life to achieve his aim. I find it hard to compare him with Alexander who inherited Phillips superb military machine and whose tactics seemed to consist of saying 'do it' then charging at the head of his troops until things fell down, after all if history is to be believed he was, at the end, not much liked by his troops who were both weary and much put of by the oddity of his behaviour. I am surprised that Robert E Lee isn't at the head of this list, he fought harder for longer with less then any of these men and still won which surely makes him number 1.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Genghis or Subutai would have beaten him fairly easily, IMO.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 16 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I know his greatness and for being a Good Commander BTW who murdered him?
Added 12 years ago by guest, -12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Julius Caesar should be placed higher than 7th I believe. His triumphs in Gaul, Britain, the Iberian Peninsula, Greece, North Africa and not to mention his victory at Alesia which is regarded as one of the greatest victories of all time are more than enough a reason for him to be promoted into the Top 5 at the very least.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

24.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Chaka Zulu Report Abuse
Chaka Zulu was a great warrior who with native technology defeated the mighty British Empire
622 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
Chaka was not fighting against the British. But he gave his people a new spirit and his army a new warfare and a spirit of courage. With this spirit of warfare his followers mastered to defeat the British.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Chaka, or Shaka Zulu never fought the British empire. His advance with technology was just to create a short stabbing spear, and then institute tactics similar to the Romans 2000 years before him. The African fighters had long used long spears, so all he did was modify them a bit. The Zulu war was fought by Chetswayo, two kings after Shaka. He won ONE battle against the British, the rest were just shooting galleries. I don't deny that Shaka was a great general, but this information is misleading.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

25.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Genghis Khan Report Abuse
Had the largest contiguous empire.
606 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 23 comments
Comments:
I agree these ratings suck
Added 4 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I agree #1 or #2....A huge amount of these rankings are just wrong
Added 7 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should be on the second or first place. Perhaps Alexander was better, but no one else. What this guy had done is legendary
Added 8 years ago by guest, 14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Nomad armies have big advantages. I think that most nomadic generals are overrated.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Asolutely Chenggis Khaan is #1 in the world. Who is Jan Zizka? You must be kidding me. Even Napolean, Ceaser, Makcedonsky are just a babies to compare with Khaan. Be honest. admit your weakness on this.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 15 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Absolutely the number one in military history. His generals come after him made by him. Then empty space and then all the rest of the crew.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Pathetic, Genghis Khan only 25. He is better than any other listed on top of him.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
i don't understand how any list like this does not have Genghis Khan at number one.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Genghis Khan was not present at the battle Subutai lost. He was thousands of kilometers away in central asia where as Subutai was fighting in European Russia. So we can blame Genghis for this defeat as he was not present at the battle field or commanding it. And remember there was no instant communication device(like radio, telephone etc.) in those days.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He may not have lost a battle leading his army personally, yet his greatest millitary commander, Subutai, did lose one (battle of Samara bend against the Volga Bulgars 1223), and acknowledging the fact Subutai was a greater commander (not ruler!), we see Ghengis wasn't undefeatable.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
clearly underrrated. the nº1 alongside alexander and khalid, men capable of make great victories on very dificult situations. the greatest horseman commander and NEVER lost a battle.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is greatest one in whole history of the world
Added 11 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should be top 3,maybe even 1
Added 11 years ago by guest, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Genghis Khan being ranked so low.... This is absurd.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Another great success of Genghis Khan was he first unified the different feuding mongol tribes under one banner and then unleashed them on foreign countries. Genghis Khan created the basis of the unified mongol army based on meritocracy rather than tribal bonds. By the time of his death, his empire consisted of 12 million square miles of land.Four times the size of the empire of Alexander and twice the size of the Roman Empire. On the contrary Alexander inherited a country already unified by his father Philip II. He created the famous Macedonian military machine. This is the reason why Alexander could start his conquests at such a young age of 21. Before Genghis Khan there was never a supreme ruler in Mongolia. He created the post himself at his earlier years. That's why Genghis Khan holds the upper-hand to Alexander the great. Genghis Khan should be no. 1 in the list followed by Alexander.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He never lost a single battle in his life and he is ranked so low?
Added 11 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
8% of the world's population is related to him. Respect your grand..........................................................................pa, and give him a better place like #1.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
You said he captured China and got superior weapons?lol Then why Chinese could not win against mongols while having so superior weapon?Why chinese couldn't conquer like him while having millions of soldiers and so called superior weapons.Read first kid.Ghenghis Khan is not only General but Ruler!While managing his country ,leading battles are harder than just one general focusing on battle under orders of his sovereign.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
You must be kidding me.The one who began from zero and became ruler of greatest empire world has ever seen.And ranked so low?He had only 100.000 horsemen when his world invasion began.And each and every battle of mongols heavily outnumbered by other countries.I can not bellieve it.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He wasn't the primary general in the Mongol Empire in his lifetime either. Subutai was the General to speak of.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He didn't do so much really. The only reason he took Beijing was because he conquered a smaller Chinese country that gave him superior weapons. Besides he only conquered Mongolia, northern China and Central Asia not the whole Mongol Empire.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -21 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was AWSOME!
Added 12 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He not only won battles that he himself usually led but also kept his own casualties low.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

26.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Hernan Cortes Report Abuse
601 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
Is there any military commander in history who defeated an empire with an army of 75,000 or more warriors, with only 200 soldiers? Besides great tactical and incredible strategic skill ,he had the perfect combination of sensing when use brutal methods , when to make alliances, when to show audacity and when to carefully not alienate allies and superiors .
Added 10 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Moving his small force right to the heart of the Aztec Empire was brilliant, as was his use of diplomacy to have the Tlaxcaltecans and others fight on his side.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He had the heart and mind of a true robber.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -49 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

27.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Napoleon Bonaparte Report Abuse
Conquered much of Europe. Destroyed many coalitions
585 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 27 comments
Comments:
He was a great general out of all his battle he lose a few and win even if he had less soldiers.
Added 4 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Pretty much the reason South America got its independence
Added 4 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Napoleon should be in the top three along with Alexander and genghis khan. He was the person who United Italy the reason there is green on the Italian flag is because that was his favorite color. He defeated the Austrian army more than once he defeated Prussian army. The only reason he didn't take Moscow is because the weather was freezing not because of the Russian army totally underrated
Added 7 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Austerlitz, Wagram, Yena, the Ulm maneuver. These are still studied at military academies. And you say HE WAS A WUSS?
Added 8 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was the best
Added 10 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Napolean was great but he was to ambitious, refused to be beaten, and thought to highly of himself which is the reason why he suffered so greatly during his Russian campaign and ended up failing as an emperor .
Added 11 years ago by guest, 11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Napoleon was brilliant. But not always. His russian campaign was a desaster because of his idiotic hybris and underestimation of the russian army and the russian winter. Napoleon also did not care loses except if it endangered his plans. He wasted so many lives of his soldiers and did not really care. A really good general would have been more human.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Napoleon was definitely top three. won at Austerlitz and lost at wellington mainly because of Prussian involvement and a big trench that his cavalry all got stuck on. only general to successfully march all his soldiers from the Adriatic to near present day Belgium which completely surprised the austro Prussians and got them at Austerlitz
Added 11 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Napoleon's simplicity was genius and effective. He should be top 3 for his innovations in military organization alone. According to every general's bible, The Art of War, every move your enemy makes should be of your will, the battlefield of your choosing, and the numbers of ill consequence to the battles outcome. Napoleon defines this at Austerlitz.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
You would give it to Napolean if you hadn't read a history of the Napoleonic wars and realized just how many men died needlessly due to the man's ridiculous vanity. I would also ask people to consider the brilliance of the tactics of the French under Napolean. Massed blocks of men, primarily conscripts marching across the battlefield, only the outer ranks able to fire. Impressive and terrifying when supported by massed canon and cavalry but really just numbers. When faced by redcoats who formed two extended lines and fired rolling volleys the French columns were halted every time. Even the Corunna disaster was saved at the end by John Moore's volley fire against a larger force. By the time of Waterloo with Napolean facing mainly unblooded British troops, Belgians who largely refused to contribute, the Dutch who didn't want to be there, Prussians who didn't arrive until late in the day thanks to a touchy adjutant and the KGL who were magnificent, outnumbered their opponents in canon, horse and troops but were still beaten because as Wellington said, ,They came at us in the same old way and we beat them in the same old way'. The history of Napoleon was written by Napolean and much of it as the sergeant of the Old Guard is reputed as having said as he ran back down the slopes as Quatre Bras is '*****'
Added 11 years ago by guest, -8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Napoleon the great military mind that fought against all monarchies!!!
Added 11 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Shrewd leader and second best military commander of all time, next only to Alexander the Great. Picked up the french crown from gutter and occupied almost all of the europe... It took Britain , Austria , Russia and other minor european states to defeat him I feel Battle of Auster­litz was one of the finest battles fought in the history
Added 11 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Because he is arguably the greatest general of the modern era
Added 11 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Most serious historians recognize that Napoleon is history's greatest general. He demonstrated the greatest intellect and maneuver - no one else in history has a career that compares to his early Italian campaigns. In the face of superior numbers, Frederick the Great would divide his force in two - he doesn't even belong on a list of the top 100. Audacious in battle, like Alexander - if this list is about who was best in a battle, fine. Napoleon would not make that list, but Davout would be in the top 5. Caesar out engineered barbarians with the greatest army in history. Napoleon fought kings for the rights of a free people. Its a shame so many do not realize that it was he that was good against coalitions of royalty whose sole aim was to preserve their absolute power.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Napoleon was easily one of the greatest military geniuses in History. Not only did he lead successful campaigns in Italy and Egypt, but he was able to bring an empire out of the mess caused by the French Revolution. He deserves a spot in the top three at least.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
No doubting that Napoleon is one of the greatest generals of all time with countless victories over the Russians, Spanish, Austrians and Prussians. But ultimately leading an army of 600,000 men to their doom in 1812 and then hopelessly staging countless stands against vastly larger forces when defeat was inevitable, can't be the aspects of the greatest. He withdrew forces from Spain which helped Wellington's push into France towards the end of the Peninsular War and did not supply his troops with clothing or rations to survive the Russian winter. On top of this he outrageously dismissed the later proved correct opinions of his staff in his final days before the Treaty of Fontainbleu which cost many more men their lives in a pointless effort to hold onto power. However, Napoleon's deteriorating health did not help matters but as with many dictators down throughout history he began to believe in his own invincibility. However, this should take too much away from one of the greatest tacticians ever whose drastic 100 days nearly retook power but once again was defeated partly for relying too much on hope at Waterloo. It is so that only one man ever defeated Napoleon in battle and he was Sir Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington. A masterful general who won campaigns from the jungles of India to the heights of the Pyrenees. Defensive tactics in the Peninsular were not enough to inspire the British cabinet but victories against vastly larger forces and sometimes better trained men in Spain which ultimately led Wellington to France surely must have him as the greatest general that ever lived alongside the greatest ever Englishman and naval commander Horatio Nelson.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
napoleone is 14th? I cant believe!The commander that won many battles such as austerlitz,lodi,arcol,battle of pyramids and bordino. of course he is the best commander,no doubt
Added 11 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
the reason that napoleon is so low is his bad reputation
Added 11 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Napoleon was the greatest general of all time. The french navy was ,like the Kriegsmarine in WW2, weak relative to the French army. He,like Hitler,fought a powerful coalition,yet his sheer military genius was great. He should be ranked far higher than #20!
Added 12 years ago by mickcollin, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Napoleon was a genius. But he fought for the wrong side. He was a corse. Is it not interesting that all the dictators of importance were from a smaller part of their cultural hemisphere? Stalin was from Georgia, Hitler was an Austrian, Napoleon was a corse, Obama is from western Africa...
Added 12 years ago by guest, -14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
PEOPLE!!! most the generals on this list should be lowered. They NEVER PLAY DEFENCESIVE WARFARE
Added 12 years ago by guest, -12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
From second lieutenant to emperor did any one in this list have accomplished that? At his time he made france the most powerful empire in the world. He defeated 5 coalitions even thou being outnumbered many times. I believe Napoleon deserves the number one spot!
Added 12 years ago by guest, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
if he was a wuss, you might want to read over your history again. He was always at the front line, and he almost died there at multiple occasions (battle of Arcole for example). Napoleon was the first to ever use the "levée en masse" or mass mobilization, and revolutionized modern warfare. I don't know many people who were general at the age of 24 at that time
Added 12 years ago by guest, -6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he was a wuss who threw fits at his generals and was really never a good commander by my opinion
Added 12 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is the best.He didnt conquered much of teritories but his strategies were brilliant like one at austerlitz or jena he defeated much of europe and everyone afraid him he entered the moscow and no one exept him did that he conquerod some teritories withou army just politics he needs to be first
Added 13 years ago by guest, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Napoleon belongs at either number 2 or 3, no serious military historian would dispute it.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
seriously? number two? before genghis khan and khalid bin walid? we need to open our history 101 textbooks.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

28.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Sun Tzu Report Abuse
A great Chinese general.
582 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 8 comments
Comments:
people are becoming more illiterate nowadays. He was never a general and had never led any army in any war. He was a military scholar famous for his books. Get your fact right
Added 10 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is a semi-mythological character, akIn to King Arthur. The Art of War is overrated..."Making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory." just one example from this trite set of platitudes!
Added 10 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Joking? 26? All other generals read his book to be so great. Without him, the others would be nothing
Added 11 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he should be the top ten or twenty, foe god sakes he litterally made the rules of warfare
Added 11 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
47? If you've read his book and compared it to the great strategies used by the people above him, it looks like he predicted these battles! Should be much higher...
Added 11 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he take on a army of 10,000,000 with only 1,000 an won without destroy any city in the war
Added 11 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He did achieve great victories i heard, but never seen further details on that matter.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
More known as a writer than a great general. This is an impulse pick.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

29.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Ulysses S. Grant Report Abuse
Hero of the American Civil War, good general bad president.
579 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 5 comments
Comments:
Clearly the greatest American general in our history. One of the greatest ever. The first to understand the true scope and meaning of "total war". And yes, a very underrated POTUS.
Added 9 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Probably the greatest general of all time. Could have ended the civil war within two years if his superiors would have listened to him or if he had been promoted earlier. He realized the new ways of war, while other generals such as Lee still thought of honor and the "invincibility" of his men. Grant May have lost several battles, but he almost tried tondo that, as he realized that he could replace his losses, while the South couldn't. He did what it took to won the war, not the battle.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Seriously underrated. Much more a strategist than is popularly thought. Look at Vicksburg. Grant also had a habit of promoting or keeping good men--Sherman, Sheridan, Meade, Hancock, McPherson, Schofield, Logan, Thomas--while letting go of lousy and mediocre commanders.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Massively underrated, probably because the traditional narrative of the Civil War in the United States follows the South and casts Grant as the villain. Greatest strategist to live between the death of Wellington and the birth of Nimitz.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Grant was actually a very good president. Read J.E. Smith's Grant for an up-to-date accessment.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

30.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Flavius Belisarius Report Abuse
Defeated: Vandals Ostrogoths Sassanid Was given only a small fraction for his army because of Justinians fear of Belisarius's growing popularity. Butmost every time, Belisarius emerged victorious. Reconquered Rome and most of Italy
572 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
- Forced the much larger Persian army to sign an eternal piece - Regained north Africa with a 10 times smaller army than the one who was crushed 50 years before. Vandals were so severely beaten they had disappear from history from this point on. - Regained Italy while outnumbered. Byzantine empire lost control of it for a time while he was away. Regained Italy again. - Added +50% territories to East Roman Empire. He gained more land than any other Roman general, except Trajan while alays outnumbered/ - Was granted a triumph, the first outside emperor's family since 5 centuries. Definitely one of the five greatest generals
Added 10 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
DUUUDE, He was definetly one of the best generals all time. Clearly underrated !! Check out some of the tricks he used to mislead his enemies. Seriously, if you pick the right article or book you'll find stuff way better than napoleon's ulm campaign, which is considered a masterpiece of strategy
Added 10 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The best of his time. Interesting battle-him vs Saladin
Added 11 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

31.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
George Washington Report Abuse
Founding Father. Defeated the British. First President
565 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 7 comments
Comments:
Unique in the sense that through pluck luck tenacity and leadership managed to defeat an Empire and establish a new country of ideals...
Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Never was a good general just admired for leadership
Added 7 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was a bold and daring general hiring people that no one else dare hire and look what happens they won also he mastered surprise attacks against his enemies including the fake retreat he should be in top 15
Added 7 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Washington wasn't even a good general. He only won the american revolution because he got help from France and Spain.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Not the best general [tactically] but one of the greats for inspiring ,en.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
If this question was about combined merits as both soldier and statesman would be THE guy. Even in terms of pure generalship, certainly deserves far better than 44th. C'mon, guys.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Incredibly important strategist. copied by everyone from Russian partisans to Viet-Cong.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 15 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

32.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Emperor Trajan Report Abuse
564 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Totally underrated
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

33.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Pompey the Great Report Abuse
He suppressed the uprisings of Sertorius and Spartacus. He destroyed the piracy in the mediterranean. He conquered Cappadocia, Pontus, Paphlagonia, Cilicia, Syria, Palestine.
563 points - added 12 years ago by Samuil Svinin - 7 comments
Comments:
Pompey is highly underrated. He was without a doubt one of the best generals in history.
Added 4 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Pontus was conquered by Caesar
Added 10 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Marcus Crassus and Young Julius Caesar destroyed the rebellion led by Spartacus. Pompey simply took credit for it. then Caesar beat him so bad in the civil war that Pompey ran all the way to Egypt with his tail in between his legs.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he did not suppress spartacus he only took the credit for it
Added 10 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Sertorius defeated Pompey in battle, the only man apart from Caesar to do so. If he hadn't been betrayed and assassinated by his subordinateRoman history would be very different. Sertorius was better than Pompey.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Did not conquer Pontus, merely wore them into attrition
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Crassus defeated Spartacus, not Pompey. Still a great general though.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

34.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson Report Abuse
556 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 10 comments
Comments:
The bestest general the Confederacy produced. The battery that ran the toy army of Lee. Without him, Lee was nothing great.
Added 8 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The brilliance of this man has been lost on many. He breveted from Lt to Major in the Mexican American war. No other American officer anywhere has done that. His genious was already showing. By the time of the Civil War, he was seasoned. He moved his smaller force around in flanking moves that still around people to this day. Losing only once, he consistently beat much larger forces. No doubt, this man gets the nod as the greatest tactical general America has ever seen.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I'm amazed that Stonewall is so low on this list. Idiots believing history written by the victors. Stonewall was a brilliant general who was not given high enough responsibility.
Added 9 years ago by theflealee, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This is so absurd..Southerners can't get over the Civil War after 150 years . Stonewall never led any large formations,or significant independent commands and only beat terrible inexperienced mostly political generals in small ,meaningless battles. In 2 important battles he was terrible :Fredricksburg (Meade broke thru his line) and The Seven Days.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Grant won because he had more men, not because he was better than Lee
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
would have won the american civil war after 1st bull run if lee and davis would have listened
Added 10 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Seriously, Lee shouldn't be before Grant, much less Jackson. He was a great strategist, but he was not a tactician. Take Kernstown, McDowell, and Cedar mountain.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Stonewall Jackson was the greatest general EVER!
Added 11 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he inproved naplions statagy
Added 11 years ago by banna32, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Greatest general of the Civil War or any other war.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

35.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Maurice de Saxe Report Abuse
Bastard son of the King of Saxony, this methodical general never lost a battle in the War of Austrian Succession
535 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Very underrated. His handling of French forces in the War of the Austrian Succession was masterful.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

36.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Charles XII of Sweden Report Abuse
Being at only 18 years of age, Charles went on in a war with Denmark, Saxony, the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, and Russia, crushing them in many battles, especially at Narva in 1700.
503 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
he single handedly fought Russia, Denmark, and Poland-Lithuania
Added 4 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he nearly conquered russia, only napolean and the german war machine only came close to that, he should be higher
Added 11 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

37.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Constantine I the Great Roman/Byzantine Report Abuse
480 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 5 comments
Comments:
Better as a politician than anything else (and a psychopath). He did carry on the Flavian legacy of creating [peaceful] Christianity and making it state.
Added 7 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Not a general. Belisarius was.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
underrated though I believe he belongs in the 50s zone. He was the last emperor to successfully unite the romans give him some credit
Added 11 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
well, interesting idea there. Constantine died in the 4th century, so he never faced ANY muslims!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
defeated by Muslim great. Khalid bin waleed.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -17 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

38.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Geronimo Report Abuse
472 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
Should be higher.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
As opposed to Wellington?
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Political correctness should have nothing to do with these rankings. Geronimo was not a great military commander. He was a decent guerilla fighter with a small band of guerilla mercenaries.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

39.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Cochise Report Abuse
466 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 2 comments
Comments:
Glad to see two Apache on the list
Added 10 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he was the chief of the Apaches. They were the most important Indian tribe in the USA West. They managed to defeat the Us-Army often although they ahd only small numbers. Apaches are the embodied personified guerrilla fighter at best.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

40.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Crazy Horse Report Abuse
444 points - added 12 years ago by guest -

41.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Sargon the Great Report Abuse
Sargon of Akkad, also known as Sargon the Great "the Great King" (Akkadian Šarru-kīnu, meaning "the true king" or "the king is legitimate"), was a Semitic Akkadian emperor famous for his conquest of the Sumerian city-states in the 23rd and 22nd centuries BC. The founder of the Dynasty of Akkad. He is sometimes regarded as the first person in recorded history to create a multiethnic, centrally ruled empire, although the Sumerians Lugal-anne-mundu and Lugal-zage-si also have a claim. His dynasty controlled Mesopotamia for around a century and a half.
431 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Sargon the Great (of Akkad) lived 2334-2279 B.C.E. and turned out to be the first great ruler, the first great military tactician and strategist, and is still amongst the greatest men ever born on this green Earth.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

42.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Cyrus the Great Report Abuse
416 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 6 comments
Comments:
He conquered all the world with minimal bleeding and named himself Shahanshah that means the king of kings. He was so chivalrous and owned not only the lands but the hearts too.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Founder of the largest Empire of the Ancient world(Yes the Persian Achaminid empire was larger than later Macedonian empire, Roman Empire, Parthian Empire, Maurya Empire or Han Empire. Check wikipedia about Achaminid Empire).
Added 11 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Largest empire the world had ever seen until that period
Added 11 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He lost to Saka Massagetaen queen Tomris in Transoxiana
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
largest empire ever? seriously?
Added 12 years ago by Samuil Svinin, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He made the first largest empire ever.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

43.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Jan Zizka Report Abuse
Never defeated commander during the hussite wars.
411 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 7 comments
Comments:
I am being a little homer as I am from Czech Republic, but this guy was revolutionary. Best general of his era.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
In late 15th century there was a Doge of Genova, a mighty and wise man. He was teaching his son about military tacticts, he considered Jan Žižka the best military commander of all time and the best example to hang on for his offspring.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Jan Žižka is amongst 6-7 greatest generals of human history. He never lost a single battle. In his younger age He was one of colonels of brilliant Jan Sokol of Lemberk who was one of the important commanders of Czech troops in battle of Grunwald. ...if one day an alien race invades Earth, we will need commanders like Žižka.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was one of the six most successful war leader on the world. So only 39? He invited a modern war. He used vagons as a tanks, he used geography to found the best place and he had only one eye and later he was totally blind. So be in best five Zizka. Your was a great man.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He even won battles after he had become blind! On the other hand, he had the advantage to command a then top-modern army against knights.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Ithink he was the greatest general of all time
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Considering his armies consisted of just farmers and peasants, he was able to defeat four crusades against him. Outnumbered in every battle, his weapons were farm tools he was able to defeat the best rmies in the world time after time. By the way, he did this with only one eye and later, he would comand his armies blind after being injured durring combat. I believe he is only one of four generals who have never lost a battle. Hands down, this is one of (if not the greatest) generals of all time. Reason? It is a lot harder to win a battle with limited resources and men than with a huge army with knights, horses, swords and so on. No way does Zizka belong on the 34th spot. Top five I would say.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

44.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Lucius Cornelius Sulla Report Abuse
An undefeated Roman General. Fought in the Jugurthine, First Mithridatic Wars and two Roman civil wars. Defeated an army of 120,000 with 40,000 men with only 10,000 enemy troops surviving the battle. Only general in history to have conquered both Athens and Rome (which he conquered twice).
392 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
tyrant that killed of marius and nearly brought the republic to its knees yeah great leader my ass
Added 11 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

45.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Duke of Wellington Report Abuse
392 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 12 comments
Comments:
perhaps the best the English produced but on hindsight, he had the resource and backing of Portugal and Spain in the Peninsular War and fighting a Napoleon who was past his prime, and his track record in India and some of the skirmish in Spain he got himself needlessly into projects a less than perfect war-machine that historians somehow depict.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Besides winning in the battle of Waterloo he was incredibly lucky.A rainstorm had slowed down Napoleon who by the way by the time of the battle had lost 500.000 men on previous campaigns .His army consisted of 69000 men whereas wellinghton had 67000 and the Prussians assisting them 48000.Moreover Napoleon would have won the battle if it weren't for Emmanuel de Grouchy who chose to pursue the retreating prussians instead of returning to Waterloo to support Napoleon.Overall i would say that Wellington was good general because his army didn't have much experience on waterloo but not a great one
Added 9 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Undoubtedly the greatest ever general. Managing to gain victory in the Peninsular War and hence entering France was one of the greatest campaigns fought in history. And the only man ever to defeat Napoleon on an open plain of battle.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Yes he beat Napoleon but had Napoleon not invaded Russia and lost 500,000 men in that disastrous campaign then the odds would have been heavily stacked in Napoleons favor. That an a blessed rainstorm slowing Napoleons artillery. Still should be higher than 39.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Should be in the top ten and napoleon in the top 5.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
As I understand it he beat Napoleans men all over the place before decisively beating him at Waterloo. Napolean was Great but he couldn't beat Wellington. didn't think this list was for the best attacking generals just the best generals. All this despite the fact he was Irish!
Added 11 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Wellington was a great tactician in Europe and India. But really he was fighting defensively against napoleon's onslaught. He was good, but I'd rank Napoleon much higher.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I know he's great general.But Only One battle spiked his name into history "Waterloo".There are too many able generals like him.He's famous because he beat Napoleon.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
While it is impossible to say with certainty Napolean was ill the day of Waterloo once can say Wellington only committed to battle because he knew the Prussians were able to support him later in the battle. Had Blucher not indicated his willingness to join the battle, despite having been defeated a few days earlier, Wellington would never have committed to the battle. One should not detract from Wellington's brilliance by using the Prussians against him as they were always a part of his battle plan. One should also note that it was Wellington who chose the ground the battle was fought on. Indeed, he actually inspected the ground a year earlier and had an intimate knowledge of it that Napoleon lacked, enableing him to use the tactic of hiding his troops from French artillery behind the rolling hills of Waterloo, effectively cancelling any advantage of Nappleon's superior Artillery (not to mention his knowledge as a former artillery officer and commander).
Added 13 years ago by debreese, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he beated napoleon only because Napoleon was sick, he has less than a thousand men against 40,000 men
Added 13 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The Duke was one of the great commanders ever. IMO, rates in the second tier of all-time great. BTW, he beat Nappy at Waterloo, thanks to the timely arrival of 50,000 Prussians. He was (barely outnumbered) by the French at Waterloo, until the arrival of those Prussians
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
way too low, he beat Napoleon while outnumbered and facing an army of highly trained and experienced veterans at Waterloo. His victories in India and during the Peninsular war were similarly brilliant. Rarely lost but never lost big.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

46.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Attila the Hun Report Abuse
388 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 6 comments
Comments:
The only man feared by romans.
Added 8 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
the reason he almost never lost a single battle is that the romans simply aren't prepared for nomad weaponry and style of warefare.
Added 9 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
You always hear his name mentioned, does anyone realize he never won a major battle?
Added 10 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Etil Alp (Attila-Atilla) is more powerful the others..he should be in top 5
Added 11 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Attila suffered devastating defeat in the battle of Chalon by the Romans and Vicigoths.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Why is he ranked 41, like Genghis Khan, he nearly never lost a single battle.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

47.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Saladin Report Abuse
Excellent Commander
388 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 13 comments
Comments:
he manged to defeat the Crusaders but Richard the Lion Heart excelled Saladin in generalship. That Richard failed to get his objective should not divert from his talents.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
saladin is awesome leader and general one who face him first time always covered with fear even the king richard the lionheart fear him never dares to ignore him he always live in the camp not only his tactics are awesome he was very strong and powerful man ' i admire him too much
Added 10 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Great General and only GOD feared man
Added 11 years ago by bawar, 11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Saladin feared king Richard the Lion Heart of England.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I cant vote because I dont know to vote for saladin or napoleon
Added 11 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He wasn't arab, but Kurd and his main force was turkic soldiers
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
"never feared anything exept Allah." - that would be his greatest strength imo ;)
Added 12 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I prefer Khalid bin Al- Waleed above. Saladin did lose battles but Khalid remains undefeated. Also, Saladin did not always fight always staggering odds compared to Khalid.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is truly a great general !!!!!!!!
Added 13 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
This man was amazing... Even though most the time he was outnumbered by tue crusaders he always managed to win. Always faught with a smaller army And limited resources. Truly remarkable general who held his own against All the crusades. Move him up!!! :D
Added 13 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
okay, he was a great man, but not that great of a general. he is more famous in the west for his compassion and friendship then his military prowess. he needs to go down a few ranks.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Saladin was a good leader, but bot a good general. he was a medium tactician.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
never feared anything exept Allah.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

48.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
William T. Sherman Report Abuse
372 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 5 comments
Comments:
Not a great general. Used his plodding, overwhelming numbers, abundance of supplies to crush the enemy, burn homes, barns, fences and livestock. He has a shameful record and I would be embarrassed if he were a relative.
Added 8 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
"First to recognise the importance of civilian support". This is not remotely true. Clausewitz had written about it 100 years before and both Machiavelli and Sun Tzu alluded to it.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Most important modern general. First to recognize the importance of civilian support. Unmatched stategist>
Added 12 years ago by guest, -6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
i dont know why there are so many civil war generals on this other than because it is a very well known and publisised war. Grant, Sherman and even Jackson do not really have a place on this list. They are all good maybe even great, but i doubt that any of them are one of the 30 best generals of ALL TIME. Even Lee was far from perfect many occasions his victorys came from the inabilities of the opposing general
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Both Sherman and Grant are on this list, so why not General George Henry Thomas? He was a better tactician than Sherman (and probably also Grant, who was really a butcher who lacked finesse), and saved the armies he served (think Chickamauga) more than once. Unfortunately, both Grant and Sherman belittled and smeared him, and his unassuming character prevented his own self-promotion.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

49.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Spartacus Report Abuse
367 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 2 comments
Comments:
he tock on rome whith a slave army he won like 5 battles in a row
Added 11 years ago by banna32, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Don't really know why he is on this list, not really much more than an over glorified bandit
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

50.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Georgi Zhukov Report Abuse
360 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 5 comments
Comments:
Look at his record. Absolutely must be considered greatest general of the 20th century.
Added 6 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Zhukov was the best general of WWII. Zhukov decimated the Japanese in 1939 freeing up 500,000 Siberian troops. He stopped the Germans at Smolensk,then saved Leningrad. At Moscow,he gave the Nazis their first real defeat (1941). He decisively damaged the Germans at Stalingrad (Germans lost enough equipment to supply 25% of their army and over 400,000 killed or captured) At Kursk he further damaged the Germany. After Kursk the Germans never held the initiative again. Operation Bragation destroyed Army Group Center which sealed the Allies' victory. He captured Berlin and his troops were one block away when Hitler shot himself
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He did verry well. I dont understand why hindenburg is above him. I personally would say zhukov should be in the top 10. Other top players for me: Genkhis khan Vlad III Dracul Khalid ibn al-Walid
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Comrade Zhukov, was the one who defeated the fascist forces who attacked them from east and west during second world war
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Underrated in the West
Added 10 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

51.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Qin Shi Huang Report Abuse
The first emperor of China. He Unified a country which was divided into many petty kingdoms and fighting among themselves for several hundred years. He achieved his goal of unifying China after numerous wars and surviving many assassination attempts. Many tried before him to achieve it but failed. He established a country which grew in size by consuming other countries and making its people Chinese permanently. He made the Hua-Chia(Han) people the master race of china for ever. China was the longest lasting empire in the world which lasted from last part of third century B.C. to 1911(though ruling dynasties changed). Even today the People's Republic of China holds most of the lands which were historically mentioned as parts of chinese empire. Where as it's contemporary Roman Empire vanished for ever. Also Qin Shi Huang was the maker of the great walls of china, one of the seven wonders of the world and the largest man made construction even seen from the outer space. China was the most technologically advanced country in the world upto 16th century. ("China; a monster lives there. Let it sleep peacefully for if it wakes up it will shake the world" -quoted by Napoleon Bonapart). Qin Shi Huang founded that superpower monster.
292 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Qin SH is not a general but an emperor who stayed in his palace. Qin had a legendary general named Bai Qi. Please wiki him and see how he slaughtered over a million men in his career.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

52.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Subotai Report Abuse
274 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 8 comments
Comments:
He conquered more than anyone else in history and deserves to be 1 or 2
Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he did not lose in hungary. he soundly beat the hungarians and polish and would have gone on to conquer the rest of europe but the obegdi khan died. he was forced to return home to help secure the new khan
Added 11 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Subotai should be in the top 5 if not THE top for his tremendous military conquests.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
During his first raid into Russia, subotai lost to the Bulgar Khaganate(though it was not a strategically important defeat, yet a battle lost). Mongols won all battles when led by Genghis Khan.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Seems like first guy who wrote his loss ,didn't know about Subotai.He was one of ablest generals of Genghis Khan.He made one of longest travels with his 20.000 mongol soldiers.Also he didn't get single defeat while traveling from asia to europe beating many armies of different countries.If he knows he can not defeat enemy then he just left enemy and continues journey.One of best generals history ever seen.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
One of the first generals to command from afar, using signalling flags. Reinvented the use of artillery for something other than breaking down walls (clearing riverbanks of crossbowmen with trebuchets, etc, and responsible for incredible numbers of victories throughout Eurasia - adapting the strategies he used to befit the enemies he fought. Arguably the greatest general ever, but his fame is sadly eclipsed by the Khan he served.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
no he didn't
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Lost soundly in Hungary, after his invasion force marched through the trecherous Carpathian mountains.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

53.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Simon Bolivar Report Abuse
This man need to be high on the list - few know much about him. His accomplishments are incredible - liberation all of South America from the Spanish Empire - over the roughest terrain in the World. Intentions toward civilization count a lot in my book as well as generalship - Bolivar gets 4 stars on both. His goal was to create a "free" society where man could be happy and thrive. I personally rate Alexander the Great the highest of all - but even a cursory study of Bolivar will dim the lights a bit on the Genghis Khan's and Julius Ceasar's of this world; men who, in my opinion, wanted to conquer to control - not to uplift. Bolivar was the richest man in South America - and spent his entire fortune and eventually his life to free his people from oppression against gigantic odds - and succeeded - a truly great man by any standard.
251 points - added 11 years ago by guest -

54.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Timur Turks Report Abuse
249 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 7 comments
Comments:
obviously, he must be in top 5...Europe is afraid of Turks still..Ä°n fact,the most powerful commandantes are Turk!!!
Added 11 years ago by guest, 17 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
When Tamerlane arrived in battlefield, his army was a little scared as they saw indian war elephants for the first time. Tamerlane was mastermind so he ordered to tie up bushes to the back of mules and to light the bushes. The mules with the fire ran straight to the elephants screaming from pain. The war elephants were so scared they went out of control and turned back and ran back killing indian soldiers on their way. Indian army was in a big mess in minutes and Tamerlane defeated numerous indian army with a small casualties. It was a great tactic.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
His campaign against Ottoman turks is very interesting. His tactic was brilliant. He stopped at ottoman borders and changed direction to Azerbaijan, so ottoman spies told Bayezid about Timur's change of direction and bayazid advanced to direction of Timur but at night Timur changed his direction to heart of ottoman empire Anatolia, while small number of Timur's army advanced to Azerbaijan to manipulate Bayazid. When Bayazid understood the situation he was far fromAnatolia for 7 days of travel. By the time Bayazid arrived Timur has chosen better position also holding the river with a dam. Bayazid army was exhausted with no water and Timur defeated 300000ottoman army with one strike taking Bayazid in captive in a cage.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Timur claimed he is turk not a mongol. He didn't loose any battle. He beated 4 notable empires: Delhi in India, Toktamish in Russia, Ottoman in Turkey, and Mamluk in Egypt. He was brilliant strategist. he died on the way to invade china.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Yes he is Tamurlane.. and indeed he is too far down in the list.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Is it Tamerlane?Then he is Mongol not turk or tartar,at least he himself says that.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
If this is Tamurlane, he is also far too low on this list. A brutal Tartar warlord, no doubt, but one of the most formidable generals in history. Beat the Mongols, the Turks and Russians Also took Dehli.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

55.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Douglas MacArthur Report Abuse
225 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 6 comments
Comments:
For all his purplish faults, you have to give it to him that he knows his men and how to pick his commanders...that the European commanders got more publicity does not detract that the men under Mac lost far fewer men and gained more ground not since Darius the Great...
Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
MacArthur was little more than a publicity seeking prima donna who NEVER actually lead troops in the field other than as an extremely rear area commander. He did not understand the chain of command except as it pertained to those under him. He disrespected Eisenhower when he was promoted over him because Ike had once been his aide. He publicly showed contempt for Truman when he was president because he had only been a captain during WWI. The man issued ridiculous orders during Korea which caused heavy casualties among allied forces which, combined with his big mouth led to his dismissal. Listing him here is a disgrace.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
HE IS THE BEST GENERAL IN TH WORLD!!!!
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
During his career he was not as popular as he is now. Not to mention his crimes against Japan and that he he heavily outnumbered the Japs and was backed by Fillipino rebels. Had he not won at these odds he would have been a terrible general. He also cost the allies the Korean war.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I believe Mac is highly overrated. His landing at Inchon was brilliant. But his overconfidence in '50 in North Korea, and in the process getting caught by surprise by 250,000 Chinese was criminal negligence and nearly cost the UN that war.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Yeah, he looked and acted like a General. But he made alot of mistakes that were covered up by the bravery and skill of the men on his battlefields. See "The Coldest Winter" by David Halberstam for more on MacArthur.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

56.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Giaus Marius Report Abuse
Reformed the Roman legion. Defeated superior German forces who had perilously destroyed several Roman armies. Also defeated Numidians, after other Roman generals had failed.
222 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
Gaius Marius a great general but a more important statesman. He was such a great general that the Senate violated its constitution elect 7 times to the consulship so that he could be supreme commander in the field. He lead from the real from instead of running down fleeing enemies from horseback like Alexander and Marius' nephew-in-law Gaius Julius Caesar. Instead he fought within the ranks of the Legions that he created. The Legions were reorganized under him, changing the from levies (which is what Legion means) to the profession elite fight force that we think of when we see the work Legion. He conquered North Africa and defeated a Germanic/Celtic invasion, the biggest threat to Rome since Hannibal. If he had been a better politician he could have become Dictator for life, or even Emperor. Still, an extremely underrated General and should be at least in the top 25
Added 8 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
His name is Gaius.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

57.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
dwight D Eisenhower Report Abuse
216 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
The greatest general of WW2.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Great man. We miss ya ike.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I like Ike!
Added 12 years ago by redbarron80, 18 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

58.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Khalid Bin Al-Waleed Report Abuse
Undefeated against numerically superior Armies.............Byzantine and Persian,the areas conquered by him still Arabic and Muslim and an excellent front line soldier arguably not "one of the greatest"but the Greatest
209 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 50 comments
Comments:
Khalid beat an army of 200 k Romans with an army of 40 k
Added 6 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He should be number one. Western are still jealous that how could a muslin commander could be on top of the list.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Many enemy give up before war with him.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I've fought in so many battles seeking martyrdom that there is no spot in my body left without a scar or a wound made by a spear or sword. And yet here I am, dying on my bed like an old camel. May the eyes of the cowards never rest ----Khalid ibn Walid The wife of Khalid, upon feeling such a pain of her husband told Khalid: "You were given the title of 'Saif-ullah' meaning, 'The Sword of Allah' and, the sword of Allah is not meant to be broken and hence, it is not your destiny to be a 'martyr' but to die like a conqueror
Added 10 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The reason why the Pentagon studies Khalid is, because Khalid was in the same Situation as the US armies in any war in our days. They have no real competitive opponents. Kahlid had a supreme force with him always. therefore he could hardly lose a battle. But he also made sure to save his own men as much as possible - the same do the US forces and the Israelis. They would rather Change 1 US prisoner for 100 prisoners of the ennemy.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I find it pretty funny that most of the votes are done by Americans to vote General Khalid Bin El-Waleed down, but at the same time the U.S Pentagon actually study his Military tactics as a major subject. He has earned the respect of his enemies even till this day. His tactics are used even in modern warfare tactics. Not to burst your bubble, but never has there been a general that fought over 100 battles in a span from 3-6 years and won every single one of them. That being said Khalid wasn't even killed... he died on his bed at an old age. That makes him the No. 1
Added 10 years ago by guest, 19 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he should be number 1. bcz he never loss a single battle.........all others had losing experience......
Added 10 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
There were no Romans at the time of Khalid!
Added 11 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The Romans were so scared and frustrated by Khalid's endless victories that they misunderstood his title, the unsheathed sword of Allah, to mean that he received a sword from God.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he was amazing!!
Added 11 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he won more than 100 battles in just a short span of 3 years...and never lost a battle in his life....furthermore he didn't died in the battle.....this makes him the greatest General ever.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Khalid was not defeated at Mutah, by doing some jot-dotting: Objective: Retreat with all of your forces ASAP!! What Khalid did? Turned the objective over the enemy without a single casualty. Outcome: His mental maneuver made the enemy retreat first before he did. You see, an outcome of a battle for a general is determined by accomplishing of objectives. Which he not only accomplished, but, rather, scored a bonus by making the enemy run. Hence, he remains unbeaten.... Hope this works...;-)
Added 11 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Khalid Bin Al-Waleed is indeed the best and the greatest and the most intelligent military leader at his time !! He must be number 5 or 6 under Napoleon!!
Added 11 years ago by guest, -8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was the best strategist as well as tactician who systematically un hinged the roman defenses in syria and used superior tactics and pschlogical warfare to crush the persians in iraq
Added 11 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
NOT ONLY THE TOP.....GENERAL, BUT THE TOP..... SOLDIER! ~now thats what we call a serious!
Added 11 years ago by guest, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Imagine if all the arabs, and the persans and the byzantines all fought him at once then he could be compared to napoleon
Added 11 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The persian empire was way past its prime, and the byzantine empire was pathetic and not comparable to their old glory. He is not the greatest general, Napoleon faced armies in their prime
Added 11 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He defeated Persian and Roman Armies by breaking all the existing rules which were exist and followed up to that time and bring the Jerusalem back in muslim empire.
Added 11 years ago by bawar, -8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
No1 posotion in all Generals his conquered areas are still part of muslim world, so his effect is ever lasting while other Generals lost their empires in their life time or soon they died. He never lost
Added 11 years ago by bawar, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The greatest general of all time. Undefeated on all his battles. He even defeated Mohammad Army at Uhud before his Islam.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
You have said I have not done my home workl before commenting about Khalid. Well a comment about Constantine I the Great below mentions that he was "defeated by Muslim great. Khalid bin waleed"; ha ha. The poor fellow doesn't even know that Constantine I the great died in the year of 337 A.D. More than two hundred years before the birth of Muhammed(the founder of Islam). And you say we don't do our homework before commenting!!!
Added 11 years ago by guest, 14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Just to clarify, a comment here mentioned that Khalid was defeated in Mu'tah, well first of all iIwish that people do their homework then comment in such a forum, Khalid wasn't the leader at Mu'tah, there were 3 leaders who were killed before he was voted to lead the Muslim army which was at least 5 times smaller than the enemies, and the retreat is one of Khalid's best maneuvers if not the best where he changed the order of the army convinced the enemy that he was getting reinforcements constantly, and retreated without losing a single soul, and without the other army even noticing he's retreating. it is still the base of all mental warfare. DO your homework then comment.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Khalid's feats are unmatched in this list, he was the one to create the concept of general staff, he was the first one to use mental mechanisms in a war (Mu'tah battle), he was the creator of the Mobile guard ( The best unit of its time). battled the 2 greatest powers in a time where it was considered suicide and he won, (Persians, Romans) , Khalid almost always was with the smaller army and has never been defeated. A simple example is the battle of Hazir were a force of 17000 led by KhalId destroyed the Byzabtine king Menas and his 70000 men (none survived). Khalid was a pioneer in warfare at his time, deploying totaly new maneuvers and using new tactics. in my opinion Khalid did alot to improve war as we know it, a pioneer, a renowned (Faris, which is a knight) , an undefeated general that should be more in the spot light.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Best cavalry commander and great tacticians , and ofcourse undefeated in all his battles.case in point battle of yarmouk.google it. Lead from the front.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The greatest general in history...created the best tactical wars during his era...
Added 11 years ago by guest, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was defeated at the battle of Mu'tah in 629 AD by the Byzantines
Added 11 years ago by guest, 15 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Khalid ibn- al Walid: (592- 642) He is also known as Sword Of Allah.He served as a General in conquest of Iraq, Iran, Syria and Damascus. He has to be on top.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
simply the best!
Added 11 years ago by guest, -10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The greatest commander of All times
Added 11 years ago by guest, -7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
There was a time when Arab generals thought about things other than putting their woman into bags and molesting boys.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 19 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Omar (ra) " how many soldiers do you want" Khalid (ra) "give me five hundred) Omar (ra) " ya khalid they have soliders up to 100,000" Khalid (ra) "okay give me five hundred more"
Added 11 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
No.1
Added 12 years ago by guest, -13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
No one mention Charles Martel He was Never Defeated once and beat much larger armies he is number 1
Added 12 years ago by RMG222, 18 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I just read about khalid in detail on wikipedia. He is by far the most successful generals as he won more than 100 battles against usually a superior enemy (super powers of that time), without having a regular trained army as his army mostly consisted of volunteers. He also captured a vast area in only 6 yearsas well as the beloved leader of his people. He was without pride and humbly obeyed the orders of his dismissal, just to keep his nation united.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
the greatest general who never lost a battle inspite of fighting about 100 battles in 3 years...thats about a battle every ten days and yet never lost one....amazing
Added 12 years ago by guest, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
i love this man not due to of same religion. but this due to that this man deserves. search him o. wiki.,his years of service were 632-638,and also read about his amazing victories in such a short period....
Added 12 years ago by guest, -10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
who?
Added 12 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is one of the finest general in the history of mankind.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
May his enemies never forget him in their graves. May his enemies have nightmare about him
Added 12 years ago by guest, -12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he is the best of all if read a bout him you will know what i am talking about he is undefeated
Added 12 years ago by guest, -10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
simply the greatest general there ever was and will be he is unmatched in history
Added 13 years ago by guest, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is by far the greatest gernal the world has ever seen. He deserves nothing less that 1st place!!! Look him up on wiki! Watch some video's or something if you think he doesn't deserve 1st place! Every general on this list had they known about him would never dare to oppose him in there life time. He is truly the greatest general this world has ever seen!
Added 13 years ago by guest, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he should be the first.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -15 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Simply 'the best' because he is one of three military generals in history to remain undefeated in battle.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he defeated the super powers of his time
Added 13 years ago by guest, -14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
khalid bin walid never lost a war although he was out numbered mot of the time but his war abilities lead his men to victory he deserves to go up in this list.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I agree with the previous comments; he was definitely a greater general than some of the others placed before him.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
I think the reasons are obvious why 'people' voted him down to 28 th ....
Added 13 years ago by guest, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Its pretty sad that most of the great generals like Khalid bin Walid and Attila are so low in the ranks. It seems as if people are being too bias, or just pick the one(s) they know. Please people before picking a general read about the others. Great leaders like Khalid bin walid deserve to be noticed and given the recognition they deserve, go read about this great general. This guy can definitely compete with Alexander and Napoleon, god knows how he came down to 27th position.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
you people need to read up on him, he IS the greatest among all. i hope i dont sound biased. google him. you'll know what i mean.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

59.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Baji Rao I Report Abuse
One of the greatest generals produced by India.
208 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
Major Accomplishments:- 1. Baji Rao, who fought over 41 major battles and many more other battles and is reputed to have never lost a single battle. This has also been agreed upon by General Montgomery, British general and later Field Marshal after WWII, in his writings. 2. He was one of the first to understand and exploit the fragmenting Mughal Empire, following the footsteps of his father. The declining influence of the Syed Brothers at the Imperial court was another factor influencing his decision to attack. The later Kingdoms of Scindias (Ranoji Shinde) of Gwalior, Holkars (Malharrao) of Indore, Gaekwads (Pilaji) of Baroda, and Pawars (Udaiji) of Dhar were Baji Rao's creation of a Maratha Empire as he wreaked havoc on the disintegrating Mughal Empire and set up his jagirdars (fiefdoms). 3. He moved the administrative capital of the Maratha Empire from Satara to the city of Pune in 1728. His general, Bapuji Shripat persuaded some of the richer families of Satara to settle in the Pune city, which was divided into 18 peths (boroughs). In 1732, after the death of Maharaja Chhatrasal, a long-time ally of the Maratha Empire, Baji Rao was granted 1/3 of Chhatrasal's kingdom in Bundelkhand. 4. An Outstanding cavalry leader, Baji Rao was loved by his troops and his people. He fought for the protection of Hindu Dharma, and freed central and western India from Mughals. Under his command, Marathas defeated the Siddis(moghul Admirals), Portuguese, and Nizam, Bangash and other generals. "The Palkhed Campaign of 1727-28 in which Baji Rao I out-generalled Nizam-ul-Mulk, is a masterpiece of strategic mobility" - British Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, The Concise History of Warfare,p132 Thus he can be compared to the other undifeated generals of history, Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan and Khalid Bin.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Shrimant Baji Rao Balaji Bhat(August 18, 1700 – April 28, 1740) also known as Baji Rao I was the Peshwa(Prime Minister) of the fourth Maratha emperor Chatrapati Shahuji(the grand son of first Maratha emperor Chatrapati Shivaji). But apart from a politician he was a also a great military general. He fought 41 major battles and many more other battles and never lost one,despite many times heavily outnumbered . He turned the small Maratha Empire into a huge empire comprising most of present day india and Bangladesh. He was the root cause of the destruction of the Mughal Empire in India and the Mughal emperor became a tributary to the maratha empire.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

60.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Quintus Sertorius Report Abuse
Roman general who was part of the Marian faction, driven out by Sulla, but raised an army in Hispania combined of Roman legions and the native Spanish guerillas. Defeated everything Sulla sent against him, with smaller numbers but innovative adaptability. If not betrayed by his second in command, Western history would have been very different.
190 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
awarded the grass crown for saving a legion
Added 9 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Only man apart from Caesar himself to have defeated Pompeius the Great.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

61.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Alfred the great Report Abuse
he help back the vikings singlehandedly, even through he was often outnumbereded
188 points - added 11 years ago by guest -

62.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Duke of Marlborough Report Abuse
Greatest British General. Never lost a battle or a siege against Louis XIV's France
184 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
This is a sad list Marlborough at 61
Added 7 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Actually he did lose a battle - the battle of Malplaquet (11.09.1709), a battle in which he lost 21 000 men to only 11 000 on the French side. It was the turning point of the war of theSpanish succession. Nevertheless, he was a great general who won all battles decisively before that one.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

63.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Selim I Ottomans Report Abuse
172 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 2 comments
Comments:
why 57. he is the father of suleiman the magnificent. Sultan Selim Is the greatest ottoman sultan hu should be near 10 atleast
Added 11 years ago by guest, 13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He destroyed iran..He is one of the most powerful commandantes,leaders in history.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

64.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Joan of Arc Report Abuse
became a great military leader in the siege of orleans with excellent cannon and archery placement to help soliders to overthrown the castle which save the french empire in their last hope
171 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Should be farther up the list
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

65.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
George Patton Report Abuse
170 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 13 comments
Comments:
62? should be in the top 5
Added 7 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was the most feared opponent the Nazis have ever seen
Added 8 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Patton used speed and opportunity to best effect. He knew what to fight with and when. He inherited a dispirited 2nd Corps in Africa and made it work. He saved the bacon of the battered bastards of Bastogne and was not at fault for the debacle. In fact, his reactions, not Montgomery's, won the Bulge battle.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Totally overrated. He didn't give a fig about his troops , who disliked him intensely. In fact, no-one liked him. He was tactically astute but niot a great strategist. All his "great" victories were won with overwhelming air superiority. The British saved his bacon in North Africa and again when the fog lifted in the Ardennes, the Typhoons destroyed the german tanks and artillery allowing him through.
Added 9 years ago by guest, -9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
George Patton was the best general the united states has ever seen
Added 10 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The Napoleon of the 20th century
Added 11 years ago by guest, -8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he should be higher on the list he could've ended ww2 in a much shorter time if the aliies would've cooperated with him
Added 11 years ago by guest, -6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was the one who help the Allied forces fooled adolf hitler in the invasion of france
Added 11 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
The Germans considered Patton the Allies best.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
first one to make an attack in an automobile[true fact]
Added 11 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
one of the best tank leaders in usa history
Added 11 years ago by banna32, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
underrated
Added 12 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Overrated
Added 13 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

66.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Aleksei Brusilov Report Abuse
One of few ofensive generals of WW1, father of "shock troops". See: Brusilov Offensive
162 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Brusilov is often overlooked but his offensive innovations led to some of the most dramatic gains of WW1.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

67.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Han Xin Report Abuse
Considered one of the best generals of his time.
157 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
The strength of your enemy determines your greatness, not how foreign they are. There were few if any great powers to rival the Chinese at the time anyway.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Considered one of best generals of his time in China.He never met foreign enemy.That means he's out of this list.
Added 12 years ago by guest, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

68.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
William the Conqueror Report Abuse
146 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 3 comments
Comments:
he won the island on britin in the year 1066
Added 11 years ago by banna32, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
At least he was the last to conquer England! Because of this the British got a french nobility! Snd all the kings were no more saxons. Until our day the Brits had never a king of saxon decendancy although the population is anglo-saxon mainly. They were even governed by nobles of german decendancy - like today. What a curiosity - thanks to William...
Added 12 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Beat a Saxon King who had forced march from York to Hastings, after fending off Norwegian aggressors. Greatest general? No where near. Famous? Definately.
Added 13 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

69.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Mustafa Kemal AtatĂ¼rk Report Abuse
defeat greek , english, armenian, french, italian troops at 4 years
138 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 8 comments
Comments:
A genius!
Added 5 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
amazing history.he must be in top 10.
Added 9 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is the Best
Added 10 years ago by guest, 10 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Ataturk was a succesfull leader and also a succesfull president. He not only deafeated Great Britian(Strongest Country and also largest country in that era) France(another powerfull country), US navy(very powerfull), Italy, Greeks, Kurdish Rebels, Armenians alone with no help and show the world his power as a British General said to him ''There are only special humans like Ataturk sadly only borns once in a 100 years and only to a single country.''
Added 10 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
NUMBER 1
Added 10 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He must be in top 10 and if you compare him to George Washington he is way better George Washigton couldn't do anything by help of France and Spain but Ataturk saved this country with lack of supplies, poverty and beat all the allied troop, also he was succesfull leader during the Dardanelle(Çanakale) Campaign by kicking all the Indian British Australian and New Zeland troops
Added 11 years ago by guest, 14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He must be in 1.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He is one of the best leaders in history...he must be in top 5
Added 11 years ago by guest, 14 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

70.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Omar bradley Report Abuse
137 points - added 11 years ago by banana man - 1 comment
Comments:
The g.I. general the combo of bradly and patron made a huge differance in world war 2 in my oppinion lee Jackson patton bradly and longstreet are the top five generals in history
Added 10 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

71.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Babar Report Abuse
132 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 3 comments
Comments:
Babar's empire didn't lasted for 500 years but only for 250 years. By the time 1750s Mughal emperors became tributaries of Maratha Emperor.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Babur was grandson of Tamerlane. At the age of 12 he conquered afghanistan with 300 men and attacked India with several thousand men where his empire lasted 500 yrs.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was the best military leader at his time in the Indian subcontinent. He was a very good strategist as well as a tactician who introduced cannons and firepower into India. The pioneer and inventor of several military strategies and first one ever to implement them in the battlefield. He invented a strategy named "Tulughma" which is an offensive type of encirclement rather than the traditional defensive type. Won several battles against unbelievably numerically superior armies.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

72.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Lawrence of Arabia Report Abuse
131 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Introducing the evil of nationalism. Down the list u go.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -13 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

73.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Pyotr Rumyantsev Report Abuse
One of the greatest Russian generals of the 18th century. He fought against Swedens, Prussians, Poles and Turks. Defeated the Turks in several battles depited his troops were heavily outnumbered by the Ottomans. At Kagul he defeated 150.000 Turks with only 42.000 Russian soldiers.
124 points - added 7 years ago by Patron -

74.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Akbar Report Abuse
118 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 1 comment
Comments:
Was always keen to catch a trap.
Added 10 years ago by guest, -3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

75.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Ervin Rommel Report Abuse
He was the most secsefully general in all areas of the military and enviroments. He was a artillary expert and become the greatest german field marshal then had his own tank divisions. took over poland, everything under Germany - (besides Italy), helped the Italian battlefront against the British and Americans for months and still took over alot of land in Africa including the British oil fields in Eygpt. The only reason he died is because of a conspirice therory to assassinate Hitler so Erwin had a choice to save his family or himself and he choose to sav his son and wife.
115 points - added 11 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Going down. Who is this. I have heard of ( i guess) his brother Erwin, but Ervin must have been not good enough to mention in regular history books.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

76.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Oliver Cromwell Report Abuse
114 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 1 comment
Comments:
Depends if your Catholic or Protestant. Either a savior or butcher. Still vital to the history of the United Kingdom.
Added 9 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

77.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Albrecht von Wallenstein Report Abuse
He was Bohemian generalissimo (supreme commander) of Holy Roman armies during 30 years war. He was the key figure of that war. His last important military success was the defeat of Gustav Adolf.
98 points - added 10 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Brilliant commander, father of modern war funding.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

78.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Richard the Lionheart Report Abuse
95 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 6 comments
Comments:
He 'cleansed' jeruselm with the blood of its inhabitants & saladin (refraining from taking revenge) cleansed it with rose-water. Difference between the crusader and the muslim.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Richard the Lionheart was a brutal man. He slaughtered inoccent civilians during the crusades.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 9 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
So did Saladin. After his victory in the battle of Hattin Saladin murdered many christian prisoners of wars. And yet no body is complaining about it. These critics of Richard the Lionheart are extremely biased.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
good commander
Added 11 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Hollywood movies like to give him the role of a noble man. But he was not noble at all. He was a coarse man.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
he became famous for his courage. But he was no good army commander and no good example as well, because he used to behead his captives. He did not like the Muslims like all his contemporaries. But he was brutal and raw and exagerarrated the extermionation of muslim souls. He was captured by the austrian duke and put in prison in Austria. He was given freedom for a lot of money and for mercy because his home country was meanwhile devastated by his brother John.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

79.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Mahmud of Ghazni Report Abuse
A general who converted his small city state of Ghazni (Afghanistan) to a booming empire that stretched from the plains of Central India to Azerbaijan and Caspian Sea, and from Somnath (Present Dwarka in Indian Gujrat) to the valleys of Farghana in modern China. Never loosing a battle, he attacked India 18 times between 997 AD to 1028 AD. The first Muslim ruler to ever use the title of "Sultan".
93 points - added 13 years ago by guest -

80.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Eumenes of Cardia Report Abuse
He was both General and a Scholar. He was reconized for his genius by King Phillip II of Macedon and was employed as a private secretary at a very young age. After death of Phillip II he helped Alexander secure is empire and then accompained him into Asia. After Alexander's death Eumenes, unlike all the other high ranking officials, stayed loyal to Alexander and aided Alexander's son Alexander IV. Can be viewed as a man of good ethics and tried to do the right thing
89 points - added 11 years ago by guest -

81.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Sir Arthur Currie Report Abuse
One of the first Generals to realize the importance of the integration of artillery in trench warfare and one of the most successful of the WW1 Generals. Planned and executed wins at Vimy Ridge and Passchendaele after the British were unable to do it. Defied convention and gave maps and mission objectives to NCO's due to realization that in Trench warfare the officers are often killed. This had never been done in the European military which still had an old class structure. Ensured troops could continue with mission in event their officers were killed. One of the first WW1 Generals to realize that mechanization required different tactics then previous wars and perhaps the most successful of all WW1 Generals at putting new methods into practice.
89 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
Led the Canadian army to the top in world war one
Added 10 years ago by Mars Ultor, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Won at Vimy Ridge, Passchendaele, Somme, Ypres, and many more.
Added 10 years ago by Mars Ultor, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Pushed farther in a morning than Britain in a month.
Added 10 years ago by Mars Ultor, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

82.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Vlad the impaler Report Abuse
88 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
The real Count Dracula! He is regarded as a patriot in his native country Romania. He fought for Romania and Christian dome against Muslim Ottoman turkik invaders. He was exceptionaly cruel against the cunning and greedy Romanian aristrocrates. It was the call of the day as the aristrocarates did not mind to help the Turks(the mortal enemies of Romania) for material gains. They were the root cause for the death of Vlad's father. Vlad the impaler was not crueler than Ivan the terrible, the first czar(emperor) of russia.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Kept the ottomans at bay using brilliant guerrilla and intimidation tactics.Should be in top 30!
Added 11 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

83.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Henri de La Tour d'Auvergne de Turenne Report Abuse
76 points - added 14 years ago by tboneya - 1 comment
Comments:
Because of him Louis 14 was the power of Europe.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

84.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Cao Cao Report Abuse
A coalition leader during the Yellow Turban Rebellion and defeated the last emporer of Han Yuan Shao established the Wei dynasty during the period of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms War
72 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 5 comments
Comments:
Cao Cao was the Julius Caesar of China: general, statesman, poet and ALMOST emperor. His descendants became emperors.
Added 10 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Cao Cao?? Huh?? To that I say "Ca Ca".
Added 11 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He didn't establish the Wei Dynasty, his son Cao Pi did.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He nearly never lost a single battle but lost in the battle of Red cliff with a force of 220000 against Sun Quan's 50000 men. In the book Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he is described as a evil person, how sad.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Yuan Shao was a Warlord, not a Han Emperor. And Cao Cao lost at the Battle of the Red Cliffs with a force of 800,000 men against a force of 50,000 men.
Added 13 years ago by guest, -1 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

85.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Nathaniel Greene Report Abuse
Second in importance only to Washington in winning the (American) Revolutionary War. Look at his campaigning in South Carolina.
69 points - added 13 years ago by guest - 2 comments
Comments:
Nathanael . . . not Nathaniel
Added 11 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
one of the best generals in my opinion, vote him up! read up on him. he is a man forgotten by history.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

86.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Tariq ibn Zeyad the greatest general in history #1 Report Abuse
1: General Tariq Ibn Zeyad ((Algerian Berber Muslim from European origin (blond with blue eyes)). there is a painting for him at his website at the wikipedia. 2: General Musa Ibn Nusair (Arab Muslim from yemen). 3: General Khalid Ibn Al-Walid (Arab Muslim from Mecca, Hijaz, Saudi Arabia). 4: Hezbollah General in 2006 war with Israel (Arab Muslim Shiite from Lebanon). 5: General Jebe (Genghis khan) (from Mongolia). 6: Caesar (Roman Empire, from Italy, European). 7: Alexander (from Macedonia, European). Number one: General Tariq ibn zeyad started with 30000 soldier conquered in less than 5 years what is today (Tunisia, Algeria, morocco, most of Spain and all of Portugal) 709 - 714 A.D. Today's Population of these countries: Tunisia: 11.2 million. Algeria: 35.4 million. Morocco: 32.2 million: hispanic (world): 114 million Native Portuguese (world) : 78.1 million Native Total: 270.9 million people today. compared to general khalid ibn al-walid who is # 3 in history after tariq ibn zeyad and musa ibn nusair, khalid with 25000 soldiers conqured an area with population today of 212 million people in 9 years and 7 months.
65 points - added 12 years ago by khalidissa - 3 comments
Comments:
Dear islam is the most peacfull , justice and modern religion ( we have belief on every religion prophets / religious books ) we are not conservitive like others , please don't mess some one personal laws or wishes with whole nations its against humanity and wisdom
Added 11 years ago by bawar, -11 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
So what? These countries were not so populace when he conquered them. According to your logic, Genghis Khan conquered 1.33 billion people in china(Today's population of china), 70 million people in Iran, 230 million people in Pakistan.so the total will be more than 1.63 billion as I have not considered the present population of Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kirgiztan, Tazikistan etc.
Added 11 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Muslim generals. And Egypt just passed a law saying a man can have sex with his dead wife up to 6 hours after death, also lowering the legal age to marry a child down to 14. Are Arabs human? the most degenerate people on the planet.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -12 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

87.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Stonewall Jackson Report Abuse
Tactically sound. One of the best generals produced by U.S.
64 points - added 10 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
Stonewall is also on the list at #27
Added 9 years ago by guest, 5 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

88.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Ivan the terrible Report Abuse
49 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 1 comment
Comments:
In his reign, Russia's territory increased to up to 80 percent.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

89.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Leonidas Report Abuse
48 points - added 9 years ago by guest - 4 comments
Comments:
Gave us the expression, 'molan labe', 'come and take them', when the Spartans were ordered by the Persians to throw down their weapons.
Added 4 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Best general of all time. Killed hundreds of thousands of Persians weakening the Persian army massively.
Added 6 years ago by guest, 1 point Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He led round about 17000 Greeks of which 300 of them were Spartans against 1 million Persians. The 300 Spartans fought in the front line for 3 days and on the last day Leonidas told the rest of the Greeks to retreat and defend their homes and all of them ran for their lives exept for the 300 Spartans or what remained of them. On the last day Leonidas and the Spartans were all dead to the last man. His bravery is still remembered today and is known as a true legend.
Added 8 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Battle of Thermopylae
Added 9 years ago by guest, 3 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

90.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Bernard Montgomery Report Abuse
Great general. Victor of El Alamien
38 points - added 14 years ago by shazy - 5 comments
Comments:
a good leader but he hated patton
Added 11 years ago by banna32, -2 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
What means victor of El Alamein? He had three times more troops than his ennemie, he had the logistics, the material, only a total loser could have lost the battle
Added 12 years ago by guest, 8 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Only victory a battle that couldn't be lost...and very nearly did.
Added 12 years ago by guest, 7 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
How about Tran Hung Dao general who was 3 times defeat the strongest army : Mongol ? How about Vo Nguyen Giap General who was defeat 7 general of US army and a lot of general of France army ?
Added 13 years ago by vipcanabis, 28 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
Great general? Explain Garden-Market, then. He planned it, pushed for it, and then pooched it..
Added 13 years ago by guest, 6 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

91.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Mikhail Barclay de Tolly Report Abuse
36 points - added 7 years ago by guest -

92.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Sviatoslav I of Kiev Report Abuse
Grand prince of Kiev famous for his persistent campaigns in the east and south, which precipitated the collapse of two great powers of Eastern Europe, Khazaria and the First Bulgarian Empire.
35 points - added 7 years ago by guest -

93.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
le Grand Conde Report Abuse
34 points - added 12 years ago by captainobvious -

94.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Tran Hung Dao Report Abuse
Tran Hung Dao defeated the powerful Mongol empire 3 times and was undefeated. He earned the title Most Best Great Saint Master Tran Hung Dao.
32 points - added 9 years ago by guest -

95.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Pyotr Saltykov Report Abuse
Man who defeated Frederick the great and put him on a edge of disaster
31 points - added 7 years ago by guest -

96.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
king henrey the 5 Report Abuse
31 points - added 11 years ago by nathan reed -

97.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Mikhail Kutuzov Report Abuse
Savior of Russia on 1812
28 points - added 7 years ago by guest -

98.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Pyotr Bagration Report Abuse
27 points - added 7 years ago by guest -

99.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Pancho Villa Report Abuse
23 points - added 12 years ago by guest - 3 comments
Comments:
Didn't the English invade US territory in war of 1812?
Added 7 years ago by guest, 0 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
First man ever to invade US territory? But whites have been doing this for ages. We can't get rid of them!
Added 11 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking
He was the first man in the world, to ever invade US territory.
Added 11 years ago by guest, -4 points Vote + to improve this comment's ranking Vote - to decrease this comment's ranking

100.

Vote + to improve this item's ranking
Vote - to decrease this item's ranking
Hugh of Falkenberg Report Abuse
The hero of Battle of Ramla in 1101. With only 1.160 brave Frankish crusaders, led by Hugh of Falkenberg, Berwold and Waldemar Carpenel went up against large superior Egyptian army of 11.000 cavalry and 21.000 archers. Both of the first attacking groups of Berwold and Waldemar Carpenel were crushed by the vastly superior fatimids and their long-range archers. But the small third group of Hugh of Falkenberg turned the tide and defeated the fatimids.
21 points - added 7 years ago by Laris758 -
Pages:
1
Similar Top lists
ShareRanks is about ranking things that are top, most, greatest, or even worst in all categories.
Use arrows to rank one item in versus another.
Top 10 Greatest Generals in History are especially marked