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“Terror belli… decus pacis.” Terror in war… ornament in peace… The words inscribed on every French Marshal’s baton. In France, the title of Marshal, or Maréchal, goes back at least to the 13th century. It represents the highest possible position of military authority – authority symbolized by a marshal’s baton. The title was abolished during the French Revolution, as incompatible with the egalitarian spirit of the age. But in 1804, Napoleon founded a new empire and restored the ancient rank. This is Epic History TV’s guide to Napoleon’s Marshals. All 26 have been ranked according to our own evaluation of their achievements as Marshals, with expert guidance from Lieutenant Colonel Rémy Porte, former chief historian of the French Army.

So far we’ve met Marshals Pérignon, Brune, Sérurier, Kellermann, Grouchy, Moncey, Poniatowski, Jourdan, Bernadotte, Augereau, Lefebvre, Mortier, Marmont, Saint-Cyr, Oudinot, Victor, Murat, Bessières, Macdonald, Masséna, Suchet, Ney, and Soult.

We’re delighted to welcome back as our video sponsor: Napoleon-Souvenirs.com, the online shop for fans of the Napoleonic era. Since 2010, the team at Napoleon-Souvenirs.com has offered the finest quality gifts and souvenirs for all those who adore the Napoleonic era. Their extraordinary range of gifts includes busts and statuettes of the Emperor himself, Napoleon-themed champagne, stunning replicas of Napoleonic swords and pistols, uniforms and flags of the Grande Armée and Imperial Guard, and even the baton of a Maréchal. You can visit their online store at Napoleon-Souvenirs.com or, if you’re in Paris, visit the Boutique Napoleon in person. Vive l’Empereur! And thank you to Napoleon-Souvenirs.com for sponsoring this video.

3. Marshal Berthier

Louis-Alexandre Berthier was born at Versailles, 10 miles from Paris. His mother served at the palace, and his father was a colonel in the Topographical Engineers – a specialist corps of military surveyors. Berthier followed in his father’s footsteps, joining the Topographical Engineers at just 13, and was commissioned lieutenant at 17. He proved to be a talented and diligent staff officer. Ten years later, he accompanied General Rochambeau to America, as part of French support to the colonists in their War of Independence, and witnessed the British defeat at Yorktown.

By the time the French Revolutionary Wars broke out, Berthier was a brigadier general with 25 years of service, who had studied and given much thought to the problems of military organization and command. A reputation for outstanding staff work meant his services were in high demand, and he served as Chief of Staff to Rochambeau, Lafayette, and Luckner. However, during ‘The Terror’, ties to these politically-suspect generals put Berthier himself under scrutiny. He was stripped of his rank and not officially reinstated until 1795, when he became Chief of Staff of the Army of Italy.

A Chief of Staff led the staff section, responsible for turning the general’s orders into action, drafting written instructions sent out by courier, and managing army administration. Berthier developed a comprehensive staff organization, establishing three sections: his personal office, a private military staff, and the general staff itself, which was divided into three sections focused on troop movements, army camps, and topographical matters. This system proved effective in handling the challenges of a new era of European warfare.

Napoleon discovered that his chief of staff possessed immense personal qualities – a heroic capacity for work, meticulous memory, attention to detail, and devotion to duty. He had a gift for turning Napoleon’s verbal commands into clear, concise written orders. Their working relationship lasted until 1814, relying on Berthier’s acceptance of his subordinate role. Berthier’s hard work and brilliant staff system underpinned Napoleon’s successes in Italy and beyond.

He played a crucial role in planning Napoleon’s Egyptian expedition of 1798 and masterminded his famous crossing of the Alps in 1800. The same year, Napoleon made Berthier Minister of War, putting him in charge of all French military administration. When Napoleon proclaimed his new empire in 1804, Berthier was the first name on the list of new Marshals.

In the fast-moving campaign of 1805, Berthier’s system ensured Napoleon always had up-to-date information about his forces and enemy movements. Such advantages helped achieve the stunning encirclement of Mack’s Austrian army at Ulm. On campaign, Berthier and the Emperor often traveled together in the imperial coach, working without pause. His workload was immense, but so too were the rewards. Following the victory at Austerlitz, Napoleon made Berthier the hereditary, sovereign prince of Neuchâtel & Valangin, with an enormous private income.

Yet Berthier remained a liability as a field commander. In 1809, Napoleon put him in temporary command of the Army of Germany, but his hesitant response nearly led to disaster. Returning to his usual role as chief of staff, Berthier once more proved his exceptional talents, coordinating the movement of 200,000 men and paving the way for the Emperor’s victory at Wagram.

The invasion of Russia in 1812 was a significant test for Berthier and his staff, requiring coordination of half a million troops across a vast front. By August, it was clear the Grande Armée’s supply lines were at breaking point, and Berthier was among those who tried to persuade Napoleon to halt the advance. He continued to perform his duty, even as the situation deteriorated. When Napoleon left the army to return to Paris without him, Berthier was deeply affected.

Despite his own poor health after the retreat, Berthier worked hard to salvage the remnants of the army and served throughout the campaign in Germany in 1813. By now, Napoleon’s enemies had reformed their own army general staffs, partly inspired by Berthier’s example. However, Berthier’s system was not without flaws, and he faced challenges in communication and coordination.

Berthier continued to serve Napoleon faithfully until the Emperor’s abdication in April 1814. The restored Bourbon monarchy honored him, but his loyalty to Napoleon put him in a difficult position when Napoleon returned from exile. Berthier’s life ended tragically, with circumstances surrounding his death remaining uncertain.

Napoleon had expected Berthier to rejoin him in 1815 and expressed disappointment at his absence. After Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, he acknowledged Berthier’s contributions, stating that his presence could have changed the outcome. Berthier may not have had the glamour of some other Marshals, but he was ‘the indispensable Marshal’, whose administration and tireless work were foundational to Napoleon’s military success.

2. Marshal Lannes

Jean Lannes was a farmer’s son from Gascony, who left his job as a dyer’s apprentice to join a local volunteer battalion in 1792. Energetic and charismatic, he was elected an officer by his comrades. The unit was sent to fight the Spanish on the Eastern Pyrenees front, where Lannes proved to be a brave and active officer. He distinguished himself in several actions and was promoted to command the regiment.

Lannes was then transferred to Italy as part of General Augereau’s division, where his bold leadership won praise from General Masséna and later from General Bonaparte, who rewarded Lannes with command of a grenadier brigade in the army’s advance guard. At the Battle of Lodi, Colonel Lannes was first across the river, demonstrating his bravery. At the Battle of Arcole, he was wounded twice but returned to lead a fresh attack, which likely saved Napoleon from capture.

Lannes was promoted to brigadier general and joined Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt in 1798, where he played a prominent role in the campaign. He returned to France with Napoleon in October and divorced his wife shortly after. When Napoleon staged his coup of 18 Brumaire, Lannes helped ensure the army’s loyalty.

The next spring, Lannes’ vanguard led the way as Napoleon’s army marched over the Alps into Italy. At Montebello, he won a brilliant victory against an outnumbering Austrian force. Just five days later, his division played a key role in Napoleon’s victory at Marengo. Lannes was known for his quick temper and grudges, but he also formed lasting friendships, particularly with General Victor.

In 1800, Lannes remarried and was appointed commander of Napoleon’s Consular Guard, but he was dismissed after mismanagement was exposed. He was sent as ambassador to Portugal, where he unexpectedly won over the Prince Regent. By 1804, Lannes was made a Marshal of the new French empire and returned to Paris for Napoleon’s coronation.

The following year, he took command of Fifth Corps of the Grande Armée, forming the vanguard for the advance against the Austrian army in Bavaria. Lannes had to work closely with Marshal Murat, a bitter rival, but they set aside their differences. Together, they successfully bluffed an Austrian commander into surrendering a vital bridge.

At the Battle of Austerlitz, Lannes’ Fifth Corps held the left flank against enemy attacks and helped take 7,000 Russian prisoners. After the battle, Lannes was frustrated that he was not singled out for praise by the Emperor, leading him to resign his command and return to France.

In 1806, Lannes rejoined the army for the war with Prussia, where he demonstrated his aggressive and brilliant leadership. He played a pivotal role in several battles, including Jena and Friedland, where his tactics allowed Napoleon to achieve decisive victories. Lannes was ennobled as Duke of Montebello and joined Napoleon for the invasion of Spain, where he led successful campaigns despite suffering injuries.

Napoleon recalled Lannes for the war with Austria in 1809, where he played a key role in the “Four-Day Campaign” and the Battle of Eggmühl. His leadership was crucial in several engagements, but he ultimately faced challenges that led to his injury and death from wounds sustained in battle.

Napoleon mourned Lannes’ death deeply, recognizing the loss of a distinguished general and a close companion. Lannes had proven himself an outstanding commander, and his remarkable skills would be sorely missed by the Emperor in the challenging years ahead.

1. Marshal Davout

Louis-Nicolas Davout was born into a noble family from Burgundy, with a tradition of military service. At 15, he attended the Military School in Paris, just missing a young Napoleon Bonaparte. Davout was commissioned into the Royal Champagne Cavalry Regiment but faced challenges due to his vocal support for the French Revolution, leading to his resignation and imprisonment.

After joining a local volunteer battalion, Davout quickly proved himself as a brave and organized officer. He gained recognition for his efforts to prevent his commanding officer from defecting to the Austrians, which accelerated his promotion. However, he faced further challenges due to laws barring ex-aristocrats from the army.

In 1798, Davout was introduced to General Bonaparte, who was initially unimpressed but later recognized Davout’s military skill during the campaign in Egypt. After returning to France, he was promoted and married Aimée Leclerc, bringing him closer to Napoleon’s inner circle.

Davout established a reputation as an exceptional administrator and hard taskmaster while commanding troops preparing for the invasion of England. In 1804, he became the youngest of Napoleon’s new Marshals, surprising many due to his limited battlefield experience.

Davout’s troops became Third Corps of the Grande Armée and played a crucial role in the Battle of Austerlitz, holding off a powerful Coalition attack. His masterful handling of troops at Auerstedt led to a stunning victory against the Prussians, earning him lasting gratitude from Napoleon.

Throughout his career, Davout demonstrated exceptional military prowess, but he was not a popular figure among his peers. He faced challenges during the 1809 campaign and was criticized for his slow response during key battles.

Despite these challenges, Davout continued to serve Napoleon faithfully, organizing the Grande Armée for the invasion of Russia in 1812. He faced difficulties with other Marshals and was criticized for his actions during the retreat from Moscow.

After Napoleon’s abdication, Davout was not welcomed back into the Bourbon regime and faced retirement under police surveillance. He later supported Napoleon’s return in 1815 but was given a role that seemed a waste of his abilities.

Following Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo, Davout organized the defense of Paris and ensured Napoleon’s safe passage. He faced challenges in the aftermath, including the loss of rank and income, but was later restored thanks to the intercession of Marshal Macdonald.

Davout’s life ended tragically, and he died of tuberculosis at the age of 53. He proved to be the most capable of Napoleon’s Marshals, known for his cool demeanor under fire and exceptional administrative skills. His contributions to Napoleon’s campaigns were significant, and his legacy remains a topic of interest among historians.

So concludes our ranking of Napoleon’s Marshals—26 dramatic lives that reflect a tumultuous age, products of a military meritocracy forged in the French Revolution. Their fates entwined in the rise and fall of empires. History may never see such an extraordinary, diverse, and colorful collection of military commanders again.

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