Who is the greatest military commander in history?

[Jumpin]

Tizona said:

amp316 said:
How about Hannibal?

That's a good call. Certainly one of the best commanders in ancient history. But, I'd have to add Scipio Africanus, who finally defeated Hannibal and drove him back to Carthage.

Hannibal was actually recalled to Carthage, had he stayed in Italy - things might have gone very well for him. Hannibal's tactic involved giving way in the center than halting the enemy as they charges further into his lines. He then closed the gates around them, encircling with his army and crushing them in the middle with the main portions of his army.

 

Julius Caesar was the greatest overall, he knew a battlefield, how troops reacted, and exactly how to exploit them far better than any in history. This is how he consistently defeated larger forces, including those led by Pompei, and did so without much loss on his own side. He had all the tools a great general needs, including those of a great orator.