The 5 (Greatest) Military Defeats in All of History

We break down the biggest, baddest defeats—with a twist.

James Holmes [2]

It is common to write lists ranking everything from history’s greatest victories [3] to the best and worst ships [4] or planes [5]. This article attempts to rank history’s best defeats- something that hasn’t been done before because historians and strategists tend to focus on the victors.

And so it should be. No self-respecting combatant could be grateful for losing, right? General George S. Patton himself [6] assures us that ordinary folk “love a winner” and “will not tolerate a loser.” But that’s not strictly true. It may be, that everyman despises generals, admirals, or civilian officials he holds culpable for losing wars. And sometimes losing an individual battle does spell doom in a larger struggle. For instance, few would argue that Carthage benefited from being razed to the ground at Roman hands [7] and seeing the victors salt the ruins. But few engagements have Carthaginian results, rather oftentimes armed forces can pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and learn from war—the harshest of teachers.

Recommended:How the Air Force Would Destroy North Korea[8].

Recommended:10 Reasons No Nation Wants to Fight Israel[9].

Recommended:North Korea Has Underground Air Bases[10].

Doubtless everyman would judge the fall of Carthage inexcusable, especially if he had the misfortune to be Carthaginian. But he might tolerate leaders who lose battles, take stock of their mistakes, and go on to eventual triumph. He might even admire and praise them. Why? Because combat is the ultimate field trial, determining what does and doesn’t work in martial enterprises. Prideful leaders might resist the lessons of defeat, whereas humbler commanders learn from setbacks and resolve to do better. The best commanders know how to swallow their pride, learn, and adapt, earning themselves respect.