15 Interesting Facts About Napoleon

Napoleon Bonaparte, the man who crowned himself Emperor of the French and left an indelible mark on history, is a character shrouded in fascination. His life is a whirlwind of adventure, ambition, and strategic genius. In this article, we’re going to unravel the enigma that is Napoleon by delving into 15 captivating facts that shed light on his life, personality, and impact on the world.

Fact 1: Napoleon’s Remarkable Height

1. Napoleon: The Little Giant
   Despite his larger-than-life reputation, Napoleon was surprisingly short. Standing at approximately 5 feet 6 inches (1.68 meters), he earned the nickname “The Little Corporal.” Yet, his towering presence on the battlefield was never in doubt, proving that size matters little when it comes to commanding armies.
2. The Myth of His Height
   The notion that Napoleon was extremely short may be exaggerated. He was actually of average height for the time. This myth likely emerged from the differences between French and British measurements.
3. The Napoleon Complex
   His height became the inspiration for the psychological term “Napoleon complex,” referring to individuals who compensate for their stature with assertiveness and ambition.

Fact 2: Napoleon’s Prolific Penmanship

1. A Literary General
   Napoleon had a hidden talent: he was a prolific writer. His vast corpus of work includes memoirs, essays, and military treatises. He even authored a novella while in exile on Saint Helena, demonstrating his versatility.
2. War and Wordsmith
   His most renowned literary work is “Napoleonic Code” or the Civil Code, which modernized and reformed French law, forming the foundation for legal systems in many countries today.
3. Scribbles on Campaigns
   He would often write letters during military campaigns, providing detailed accounts of his strategies, challenges, and insights. This practice is now a valuable source for historians.

Fact 3: Napoleon’s Precarious Health

1. The Battle of Pain
   Napoleon’s physical well-being was a constant concern. He suffered from various ailments, including stomach ulcers, hemorrhoids, and chronic pain. Yet, he managed to lead armies and govern an empire in spite of these health issues.
2. The Mercury Conspiracy
   Some historians speculate that his health problems were exacerbated by his exposure to high levels of arsenic and mercury, which were common ingredients in medicines of the time.
3. The Medical Minds of the Time
   Despite his suffering, he was known to take interest in medical advancements of his era and even funded research on diseases like the plague.

Fact 4: Napoleon’s Remarkable Military Career

1. A Rapid Rise
   Napoleon’s military career took off during the French Revolution, where he showcased his tactical brilliance in numerous battles. He became a general at the young age of 24.
2. Mastery of Strategy
   The Battle of Austerlitz in 1805 is often cited as one of his most brilliant victories. His use of maneuver warfare tactics there is still studied in military academies around the world.
3. Unbeaten Until the End
   Napoleon’s remarkable military record was marred only by his final defeat at Waterloo in 1815, leading to his exile to Saint Helena.

Fact 5: Napoleon’s Love for the Arts

1. Patron of the Arts
   Despite his militaristic reputation, Napoleon was a true patron of the arts. He funded numerous artistic projects, including the completion of the Louvre Museum.
2. Fascination with Egypt
   During his Egyptian campaign, Napoleon took with him a team of scientists, historians, and artists to document the ancient culture and architecture. This expedition led to the publication of the “Description de l’Égypte.”
3. Musical Muse
   Napoleon had a deep love for music and was known to be an accomplished piano player. His admiration for classical music influenced his era and beyond.

Fact 6: Napoleon’s Exile on Elba

1. A Unique Exile
   After his initial abdication, Napoleon was sent to the Mediterranean island of Elba. He retained his title of Emperor and was allowed to govern the island, albeit on a much smaller scale.
2. The Escape That Almost Succeeded
   His escape from Elba in 1815, known as the Hundred Days, nearly returned him to power. He rallied supporters, but the Battle of Waterloo sealed his fate.
3. Frequent Inspection
   Even in exile, Napoleon managed to stay in the limelight. The great powers of Europe sent diplomats to keep a close watch on him.

Fact 7: Napoleon’s Complicated Legacy

1. Napoleon’s Code
   One of his most lasting legacies is the Napoleonic Code. It laid the groundwork for civil law systems used in over 70 countries today.
2. Mixed Reception
   Napoleon’s legacy is a subject of debate. While his military genius is widely acknowledged, his authoritarian rule and expansionist ambitions continue to divide opinions.
3. Icon in Pop Culture
   Napoleon’s life has inspired countless books, films, and other forms of art, cementing his place in popular culture.

Fact 8: Napoleon’s Love Life

1. A Whirlwind Romance
   Napoleon’s love life was as dramatic as his career. He married Josephine de Beauharnais, who was six years his senior, and their love story is both passionate and turbulent.
2. Divorce and Second Marriage
   To secure an heir to the throne, Napoleon divorced Josephine and married Archduchess Marie Louise of Austria. Their union produced a son, Napoleon II.
3. Mysterious Affairs
   Rumors of other affairs and secret relationships have persisted over the years, adding intrigue to his personal life.

Fact 9: Napoleon’s Familiar Hat

1. The Iconic Bicorne Hat
   Napoleon’s distinctive hat, the bicorne, became an iconic symbol of his power. It featured two points that he would fold up to signify different meanings.
2. Symbol of Authority
   The bicorne was worn by his officers and symbolized the authority of the French Empire. It was even used in the uniforms of the French army.
3. Napoleon’s Signature Style
   The hat remains synonymous with Napoleon, and its unique design stands as a testament to his influence on fashion.

Fact 10: Napoleon’s Humble Origins

1. Corsican Roots
   Napoleon was born on the island of Corsica, which was then a French territory. He came from a modest family and was not of aristocratic blood.
2. Self-Made Man
   His rise to power from a commoner to Emperor is a testament to his ambition, determination, and the opportunities provided by the French Revolution.
3. A Different Destiny
   Had Napoleon not pursued a military career, he might have become a mathematician. His mathematical prowess was notable even in his military strategies.

Fact 11: Napoleon’s Sphinx Obelisk

1. The Lost Monument
   During his Egyptian campaign, Napoleon brought an obelisk known as the “Sphinx Obelisk” back to France. It was intended to be erected in Paris.
2. The Obelisk’s Journey
   However, the obelisk remained in the port of Alexandria until 1836 when it was finally transported to Paris. It now stands in the Place de la Concorde.
3. A Monument to Egyptian Glory
   The obelisk is adorned with hieroglyphs, commemorating Napoleon’s fascination with Egyptian history and his military conquests.

Fact 12: Napoleon’s Fatal Russian Campaign

1. Disastrous Decision
   One of Napoleon’s most infamous military campaigns was the invasion of Russia in 1812. The catastrophic retreat from Moscow marked a turning point in his career.
2. The Harsh Russian Winter
   The Russian winter, along with supply shortages and guerrilla warfare tactics, decimated Napoleon’s Grande Armée.
3. Epic Novel
   This campaign serves as the backdrop for Leo Tolstoy’s epic novel “War and Peace,” which vividly portrays the horrors of war during this time.

Fact 13: Napoleon’s Elaborate Coronation

1. An Emperor’s Coronation
   Napoleon’s coronation as Emperor of the French in 1804 was a grand spectacle held at Notre-Dame Cathedral. He famously crowned himself, showing his independence from the Pope.
2. The Imperial Regalia
   He was adorned with an elaborate crown, known as the Crown of Charlemagne, and a magnificent robe made of silk and adorned with gold bees.
3. A Modern Caesar
   Napoleon’s coronation ceremony was a symbolic representation of his ambition to be the successor to ancient Roman emperors.

Fact 14: Napoleon’s Final Resting Place

1. The Solitude of Saint Helena
   After his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon was exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic. He spent his final years in solitude and reflection.
2. His Tomb at Les Invalides
   In a twist of fate, his remains were later repatriated to France and interred at Les Invalides in Paris, a site originally built to house injured soldiers.
3. Enduring Legend
   Napoleon’s final resting place is a site of pilgrimage for admirers, and his legacy endures to this day.

Fact 15: Napoleon’s Impact on Europe

1. A Reformer and Conqueror
   Napoleon’s rule brought both political and social reforms to the territories he conquered. He introduced the Napoleonic Code, which established equality before the law and property rights.
2. European Unification
   His campaigns and the Napoleonic Code left a lasting legacy of a unified Europe, with many of his reforms surviving his fall.
3. A Complex Figure
   Napoleon’s impact on Europe is a complex blend of conquest and reform, and his memory continues to influence modern politics.

Conclusion

Napoleon Bonaparte, the man who reshaped the course of history, was a character of immense complexity. His life, career, and legacy are filled with both triumphs and controversies. These 15 fascinating facts about Napoleon provide a glimpse into the enigmatic persona of a man who still captures our imaginations today. Whether you admire his genius or criticize his ambition, there’s no denying that Napoleon Bonaparte remains one of history’s most perplexing and influential figures.