The question “Was Napoleon short?” has intrigued historians, scholars, and curious minds for centuries. Napoleon Bonaparte, the legendary French military leader and Emperor, is often portrayed as a diminutive figure with a larger-than-life personality. But was Napoleon really as short as popular culture suggests?
Was Napoleon Short? The Truth About His Height
Napoleon Bonaparte’s height is recorded as 5 feet 2 inches in French measurements, which translates to approximately 5 feet 7 inches in modern English measurements (1.69 meters). By today’s standards, this is slightly below average for a man, but in early 19th-century France, Napoleon’s height was perfectly normal.
Why Do People Think Napoleon Was Short?
The image of Napoleon as a short and angry man has been repeated in books, movies, and even psychology (think “Napoleon complex”). But the truth is more complicated.
One of the most influential figures in spreading the myth of Napoleon’s short stature was James Gillray, a British political cartoonist active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Gillray often portrayed Napoleon as tiny, childish, and overly ambitious — a visual tactic meant to ridicule the French leader. In some cartoons, Napoleon appears as a small man yelling at much taller figures, or standing on stools to appear more powerful.
These exaggerated drawings made Napoleon look physically weak, which suggested he was insecure and overcompensating. The visual message was clear: he was not to be feared.
One major reason for the confusion is the difference in measurement systems. Napoleon’s height was recorded as 5 feet 2 inches in French feet, which are longer than British feet. When converted to the English system, he was actually about 5 feet 7 inches (around 1.69 meters).
Napoleon’s Imperial Guard Was Very Tall
Another reason people thought Napoleon was short is that he was often surrounded by extremely tall soldiers in his Imperial Guard. Standing next to them, even an average-height man could look small.