André Masséna

French military commander during the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars (1758-1817)

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Lived 1758–1817, aged 59France

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Wikipedia
45 languages
Cross-language footprint
Era
1758–1817
Aged 59
Awards
12
recognised works

Summary

Updated 2026-06-09

Napoleon called him "the dear child of victory" and "the greatest name of my military empire" — remarkable praise from a man not known for it. Masséna climbed from enlisted soldier under the old monarchy to Marshal of the Empire without ever attending a military academy, winning battles that bent coalitions and taught most of France's other marshals how to f

Biography

About

Born Andrea Massena on 6 May 1758, he started as a common soldier under the ancien régime and rose through merit alone during the Revolutionary Wars, becoming one of the Republic's best generals. He served as Napoleon Bonaparte's main lieutenant in the Italian campaign, playing decisive roles at Arcole and Rivoli, then led the advance into Austria that forced peace negotiations. In 1799 he defeated the Second Coalition at the Second Battle of Zurich, a victory with major strategic consequences. Under the Empire he campaigned in Italy again in 1805, invaded Naples in 1806, and fought at Aspern-…

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