The most vital essence of a soldier is self-confidence, downright, absolute and arrogance. That is what differentiates a soldier from a normal being. No wonder, soldiers are nothing short of the supernatural element. They are true gentlemen, yet warriors. How rightly said, ‘Perfect soldier, perfect gentleman never gave offence to anyone not even the enemy.’ But even amongst the wide range of soldiers that we have seen over ages, some of them have left an undeniable mark. They have proven to be not just soldiers but a symbol of utmost bravery. Let’s find out about 5 of the greatest soldiers of the world…

‘Only those are fit to live who are not afraid of dying.’

Alexander

Considered one of the greatest military geniuses of all times, Alexander was an inspiration. He was the originator of one of the largest empires in the ancient history, stretching from the Ionian Sea to the Himalaya. He was the undefeated one in the battles and was considered one of the most successful commanders of all time. Alexander inherited a powerful kingdom and an experienced army. He also received the very finest education in warfare and politics. He also succeeded in being awarded the generalship of Greece and, with his authority firmly established, launched the military plans for expansion. Alexander broke the power of Persia in a series of decisive battles, most notably the battles of Issus and Gaugamela. His people highly praised him, as did the rest of the world. He was not only striking, spirited and intellectual but also a dreamer. He had an insight. In short, he was all a legend, a great soldier should be.

Ghengis Khan

If there is one name known as a symbol of chivalry, utmost struggle and courage, it should be Ghengis Khan. His actual name was Temujin, but his gallantry and success earned him the name of “Genghis Khan,” which means “universal ruler.” He was the originator of the Mongol Empire, the most prevalent empire in history. He had begun structuring great armed forces with the objective to overcome private ethnic groups and bring them under his rule. Thus, he succeeded in forming the Mongol Empire. The largest kingdom in the world came into existence. Although at one point he was captured in an invasion by previous partners. And Temujin had to remain enslaved, but not for long. Temujin began his slow incline to command by building a large army of more than 20,000 men. He thrived to devastate the conventional sectors surrounded by the different tribes and united the Mongols under his rule. Through a amalgamation of an extra ordinarily outstanding military strategy and heartless viciousness, Temujin left no stone unturned to build on his own his divine stature.

Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon was a convoluted, a difficult man. He was vigorous from the start of his career and was so productive; he took France to new heights of power. He is to date, one of the most prominent military and political leaders of History. His accomplishments are so many that they have filled books, literally. Napoleon was a remarkable trendsetter and a bureaucrat. His skill with logistics and the ability to raise tremendous amounts of manpower was at times amazing. He changed the face of warfare from the exercise of kings to the state at artillery, with the whole nation being placed on fighting, recruitment, and mass invention; the beginning of modern ‘Total War’. His dominance as an armed leader is foremost of course, but millions had to die for his ambitions to come true. He conquered most of Europe and even beyond that and affirmed himself as the Royal Leader of the revolutionary democracy. As an earlier artilleryman he increased the size and number of guns and the Napoleonic artillery made great progress towards its contemporary form in both equipment and tactics.

Leonidas of Sparta

The Spartan ethnicity was all about war and war training of its men for their entire lives. A famous saying “come back with the shield or on top of it”, was their trademark. It meant they were not allowed to come back unless victorious. Amongst them were some of the toughest soldiers of the world had ever seen. And yet, the most famous amongst them was the man of the hour, Leonidas of Sparta. He was the master of the shield and spear combination. Leonidas of Sparta was a gallant and selfless warrior-hero. He was a strategist soldier and fearless commander. He is most renowned to this day for his expert fighting skills and warrior prowess. He was indeed trained just for battle. He was a young soldier who knew nothing but one home – his base, his family, his unit. His chief occupation was his corporeal exercise which was spent exercise or on the drill-ground. His supreme fidelity education was habitually cruel, but effectual, and he in his youth learned unwavering and absolute devotion to his country.

Hannibal Barca

Now the one I am about to tell you is one of the most celebrated Carthaginian leader. He is to date, considered one of the most powerful, successful and accredited military commanders in history. His finest and greatest achievement is the outbreak Punic War. It was when he brought war elephants containing troops to northern Italy. Whilst this attack of Italy, he conquered the Roman soldiers in numerous battles, as well as those in Trebia, Trasimene and Cannae. Another most famous of his achievements was at the outbreak of the Second Punic War. He won three dramatic victories of Trebbia, Transience, and Cannae and triumphed over several associates of Rome. Hannibal occupied a great deal of Italy for 15 years. Hannibal throughout his career had a hold on a marvel of tactics and brilliantly devised plans of his own. Hannibal successfully ruled for the office of suffete. He enacted political and financial transformations to facilitate the imbursement of the war compensation imposed by Rome. Hannibal is often reputed as the best military mediator and strategist in European history, and considered one of the greatest generals of ancient times.

There exist only three beings worthy of respect: the priest, the soldier, the poet. To know, to kill, to create.