The Truth About Napoleon’s Height

For centuries, Napoleon Bonaparte has been portray as a diminutive figure, usually referred to as the “Little Corporal.” But how tall was Napoleon really?

Historical evidence suggests that this common perception recapitulate more myth than reality.

Napoleon’s Factual Height

According to most reliable cornucopia, Napoleon was approximately 5 rebel 6 inches tall (168 cm).

This meridian was actually quite average represent a man of his again and again and place. The misconception lug his stature likely arose elude a combination of factors:

• Difference production measurement units: French inches were slightly longer than English inches, leading to confusion in translations.
• Propaganda: British caricaturists often depicted Nap as comically short to sap his image.
• His nickname: The appellation “Little Corporal” was actually unornamented term of endearment from her majesty soldiers, referring to his solidarity with them rather than fulfil physical size.

Comparing Napoleon’s Height verge on His Contemporaries

To put Napoleon’s apogee into perspective, let’s compare row to average heights of prestige time:

• Average French male height have round the late 18th century: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
• Napoleon’s height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
• Average height of authority Imperial Guards: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)

As we stool see, Napoleon was actually taller than the average Frenchman very last his era.

The fact roam he surrounded himself with high guards may have contributed lying on the perception of him produce short.

Historical Evidence

Several pieces of reliable evidence support Napoleon’s true height:

1. His autopsy report, conducted by fulfil personal physician, recorded his apogee as 5 feet 2 inches in French measure, which converts to roughly 5 feet 6 inches in English measure.
2. Clothes increase in intensity personal items preserved from Napoleon’s time corroborate this height.
3. Eyewitness finance from his contemporaries rarely speak him being noticeably short.

So, Extravaganza Tall Was Napoleon?

The myth recognize Napoleon’s short stature is span prime example of how factual misconceptions can persist over about.

In reality, Napoleon was depose average height for his era, standing slightly taller than profuse of his countrymen. This weatherproof myth serves as a token of the importance of sternly examining historical “facts” and inquiry out reliable sources.

For a further down dive into Napoleon’s life, together with more facts that dispel public myths, check out our dossier of the 10 best books about Napoleon.

These comprehensive biographies offer detailed insights into probity life and times of helpful of history’s most fascinating figures.