Top Five Most Respected Military Geniuses

Many conflicts and wars have polluted the history of humans. Not a second has passed where there has not been a major conflict occurring. As the great Einstein once said, "As long as there is humanity, there is war." Most people view war as a very cruel and unnecessary part of life. Yet, in every battle there is a hero and a leader. Here is a compilation of 5 of the most respected military geniuses.

1. Genghis Khan

I have not yet met a man who did not know the name of this mighty warlord. Genghis Khan started his military fortune my uniting all the nomadic tribes of northeast Asian and founded the "Mongol Empire". He then lead many military campaigns against the kingdoms of Asia and eventually conquered a vast majority of its lands. After the passing of the "Great Khan", his descendants eventually established the Yuan dynasty of China.

Genghis Khan's Empire

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The Great Khan

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2. Alexander the Great

Born in 356 BC in the Kingdom of Macedon, he was the son of King Phillip. According to his father, he was a direct descendant of the invincible hero, Heracles (Hercules).  As a boy, Alexander was tutored by the great Aristotle and upon reaching 16, he became regent of Macedon while his father was in foreign lands. At age 20, Phillip was assassinated and Alexander was proclaimed king at age 20. After this incident, Alexander embarked on many campaigns and used his military genius to further expand the borders of Macedon.

Alexander's Empire

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Alexander

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3. Attila the Hun

Attila was emperor of the Huns from 434 to 453. He has long been a thorn in the side of the Roman Empire and his hordes filled the western world with terror and destruction. Most of Europe remembers him for his cruelty and massacres of the huge European castles. Attila's hordes were feared and respected across Europe which earned him the tittle "Attila the Hun".

Attila's Empire

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Attila the Hun

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4. Napoleon di Buonaparte

Most people know the Napoleon and his deeds that shaped Europe during the Napoleonic Era of warfare. Born in a poor family of Corsica, Napoleon served as an artillery officer in mainland France and achieved the rank of Brigadier General in just  months. He made himself the first consul of France and four years later, he became the Napoleon I, Emperor of France. During the nineteenth century, he fought against every major military in Europe. He was forced into exile on the island of Elba and soon returned to the throne. After a crushing defeat at Waterloo, he was sent under British Supervision to Saint Helena. There he died of stomach cancer most likely caused by arsenic.

Famous battle of Waterloo

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Napoleon, Emperor of France

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5. Hannibal

Known as the "father of strategy" throughout Europe, Hannibal lead Carthaginian Armies in many battles against the mighty Roman Empire. Hannibal equipped his army with many mercenaries which included the war elephants of Asia. Hannibal defeated many of Rome's allies and occupied Italy for 15 years. After his army was defeated by Scipio, he fled and was eventually betrayed to the Romans.

Hannibal's Army

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Hannibal

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