The History Channel confirmed he was really 5'6 1/2''. In his time that was actually the average height for a man.
2006-12-23 01:54:10 · 9 answers · asked by AL IS ON VACATION AND HAS NO PIC 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ History
Napoleon was a Corsican (by the way, why do so many Americans think he was an Italian Emperor of sorts?).
If you happen to go to Corsica, you'll find that, to this day you have a feeling to be of a towering height, even if you're of medium stature.
Now, Napoleon's environment was that of French warriors, generals and marshalls who still used to go fighting bodily on the battlefields, which they unfortunately don't do any longer...(or wars could possibly be shorter.) They had to be men taller than the average for their time to get the upper hand in combat. You can see that on a number of paintings hanging around.
Also, it's common knowledge that Napoleon's nickname amongst French troops was the "Petit Caporal (Little Corporal)". That might have helped to leave the impression that he was short enough to deserve the nickname.
2006-12-23 02:22:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know, I've heard this before, and, as an interesting coincidence, I was casually watching some art history programs and Napoleon was mentioned, and I thought about his height.
I would, if I had to guess, think European states fostered a false image, that with the Warner Bros. characterization, helped to instill the erroneous perception.
2006-12-23 09:57:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because 'most people', by today's standards, think that 5'7" is kinda short for a man.
You are absolutely correct, though, in his day he was probably, simply, considered 'average' height.
2006-12-23 10:04:24 · answer #3 · answered by JC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because great People are great in stature I guess. I think Napoleon's achievement was already a feat for a guy about 5'7" historically. Unless you think about Spudd Webb.
2006-12-23 10:01:02 · answer #4 · answered by Holden® [ThumbZUP] tRoLL PaTrOL 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because the folks who hated him wrote the history. We have the same thing now with President Bush and our Socialist Media
2006-12-23 10:09:17 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
I'm close to 6'8'' right now. I would think he's slightly... underadvantaged with a sword...
2006-12-23 10:52:09 · answer #6 · answered by Cold Fart 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
5'7"? i'm 5'9".....so he will appear short to me....depends on who you ask i suppose
2006-12-23 09:55:50 · answer #7 · answered by sweet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
now, it's pretty short.
2006-12-23 10:03:06 · answer #8 · answered by ddrfreak.supernova2006 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
assumption
2006-12-23 09:58:16 · answer #9 · answered by Laela (Layla) 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋