Emperor of the French Napoleon I

Born in Ajaccio, Corsica, in 1769, Napoleon Bonaparte trained as an artillery officer and rose rapidly during the French Revolution. His victories in Italy and Egypt made him famous, and in 1799 he took power in France. He first ruled as First Consul and then, in 1804, crowned himself Emperor of the French.

Napoleon became one of history’s most influential military leaders, winning major victories that reshaped the map of Europe. At the same time, he pushed through lasting domestic reforms, including the Napoleonic Code, changes to education and administration, and a stronger central state. Even readers who know him mainly as a conqueror often find his civil legacy just as important as his battlefield reputation.

His empire began to unravel after costly wars, especially the invasion of Russia in 1812. Forced to abdicate in 1814, he was exiled to Elba, returned for the dramatic Hundred Days in 1815, and was finally defeated at Waterloo. He spent his last years in exile on Saint Helena, where he died in 1821, but debate over his ambition, talent, and legacy has never really ended.