Facts About Napoleon Bonaparte's Height

What was Napoleon Bonaparte's true height?

Was Napoleon really as short as people thought he was? Let's find out!

Napoleon Bonaparte's True Height

Napoleon's true height is a subject of debate among historians and scholars. According to French measures, he was considered diminutive at 5 feet 2 inches. However, the French inch at that time was longer than the Imperial inch, leading to confusion about his height.

Debunking the Myth

Contrary to popular belief, Napoleon Bonaparte was not actually short. While he may not have been tall by today's standards, during his time, his height was above average. The myth of his short stature has persisted through history, but various sources suggest he was taller than commonly believed.

Conflicting Reports

There are conflicting reports about Napoleon's height from his contemporaries. His personal physician stated he was 5 feet 2 inches tall, while other sources claim he was taller. British sources described him as around 5 feet 7 inches, and a German doctor estimated his height at 5 feet 6 inches.

Final Verdict

While the exact height of Napoleon Bonaparte remains uncertain, it is clear that he was not as short as the popular myth suggests. His height, although debated, was likely closer to average for his time.

Napoleon Bonaparte, the famous French military leader and emperor, is often portrayed as short in popular culture. However, historical evidence shows that this depiction is inaccurate. The myth of Napoleon's height stems from a misunderstanding of the units of measurement used at the time.

In reality, Napoleon Bonaparte was of average height for his era. While he may not have been exceptionally tall, he was not exceptionally short either. The confusion around his height arose from the difference between the French inch and the Imperial inch, leading to varying reports of his stature.

Historians continue to debate Napoleon's true height, with conflicting accounts adding to the mystery. Despite the uncertainty, it is clear that Napoleon's height was not a defining characteristic of his legacy. Rather than focusing on his physical stature, it is more important to examine his military strategies, political achievements, and lasting impact on European history.

← The united states construction rights for the panama canal The failed outcome of the bonus army march →