10 Most Decisive Ancient Generals

Throughout ancient times there have been a number of military leaders to note. This list focuses on generals who lived before 1 AD. Unlike present-day’s generals, ancient leaders had fewer options during the battle; nevertheless they managed to bring decisive victories that are rarely matched afterwards:

10. Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus


Battle of Magnesia (Loss ratio 1:2); according to Grainger Lucius Cornelius Scipio Asiaticus was a Roman statesman and general. In 190 BC, he was elected as consul and later that year contributed to the Roman victory in the Battle of Magnesia against the Seleucid Empire. The victory allowed the Rome to control a large part of Seleucid Empire and its king, the Antiochus III was forced to accept a crippling treaty. The battle stopped Antiochus III’s ambition to become the next Alexander the Great and the treaty burdened the kingdom treasury. The war indemnity was so large that Antiochus III had no option than looting the temple treasuries at one time, further alienating his Seleucid subjects.