| A Continuation of the ranking of the Top Ten Generals by his Majestical Natholeonicness Part the Second - The flashy Generals |
 |
| 6 - Hannibal. It is shameful that most people think of Sir Anthony Hopkins in a metal mask when the name Hannibal is mentioned, for this Carthaginian is one of the most colourful personalites of history. He brought Rome to its knees through skilful generalship leading a rag-tag army from one end of Italy to another. His strategems are legend, as is his mastepiece - Cannae. His Natholeonic Majesticalness has been happy to borrow from the book of Hannibal in order to win his battles. |
 |
| 5 - Alexander. There is no doubt that the Macedonian King was a brilliant general. He defeated opponents that massively outnumbered him, and subdued vast and difficult regions to add to his empire. His men adored him - apart from those that conspired against him. But Alexander was also a drunken, murderous man who was out of control when he had had a few. Not something his Imperiousness finds a particularly pleasant trait. |
 |
| 4 - Genghis Khan. The Khan was unstoppable and went on to create the largest contiguous land empire the world has ever seen. His methods of conquest ranged from the sublime use of his armies, to mastering seige warfare, to burning cities to the ground and constructing pyramids of skulls. The Middle East never recovered from the Mongol invasions which destroyed millenia old irrigation systems. His Most Highestness believes that the Khan was brilliant- and is glad he did not live at the same time! |
 |
| 3 - Napoleon I. Not an innovator, nor a captain that couild say he did not experience defeats. Nor was he a good grand strategist, falling into a megalomania that hindered his strategic vision. Nevertheless, His most Neatness rates Napoleon as one of the greatest generals of all time. The Italian Camapign of 1796-7, the Imperial campaigns from 1805-7 and his masterful defence of France against overwhelming odds in 1814 are all remarkable camapigns and worthyof study. The defeat of Austria in 1809 was ahard won victory, and his German campaign of 1813 was not successful, but both are gems to study and gain an understanding of how to in with a blunt instrument. Finally, the Waterloo campaign, which should have been won... |
 |
| 2 - The Duke of Marlborough. Never fought a battle that he id not win, nor beseige a town he did not take. Unlike Napoleon, also a master of Diplomacy, holding a shaky coalition together for 10 years. Marlborough was responsible for training the English Army that was such an important component of his victories, and he has some claim to be one of the greatest cavalry commanders of all time. Blenheim, Ramillies and Oudenarde and wonderful victories that can be stuied time and again, whilst Malplaquet was a hard fought slog, but nevertheless Marlborough emerged triumphant. Often in partnership with Prince Eugene, himself a great general, Marlborough was the driving force of the Grand Alliance, and its master strategist. All too often his plans would be hampered by cautious Dutch deputies, or by his own government. If he had been able to fight when and whre he wanted, English troops may have entered Paris in 1706. |
 |
| 1 - His Most Superness, Natholeon. The greatest geneal of all time, Natholeon combines flashiness with a methodical approach to battle. He has mastered the tactic of lulling opponents into a false sense of security by allowing them to defeat him. At times he has lulled the same opponent repeatedly. But it is all a carefully devised strategem. His most Majesticalness would never lose a battle that he did not want to. It is honestly just his plan... He has also learnt the art of deception by cunningly moving troops just a fraction when no-one is looking. This would be considered cheating by a lesser mortal, but it is merely minor tactics for the Natholeonic one! 'Forgetting' to count PiP dice is also a cunning strategem others would not contemplate, but which is their downfall! Occasionally his Imperiousness does not need such cheap tricks to make his resounding victories, and he 'creams' his opponents with stunning flair. It is only to be expected that future battles will only enhance the Natholeonic Legend! Left: Natholeon having captured Heidelberg castle - the fools let me in the front gate of the castle (for a small fee)! |