On July 02, 2013, United States of America will celebrate the Salvation Army Founders Day, which was actually started in England in 1865, and expanded in the U.S. through William Booth. It was a Christian mission at first, which was known as the Salvation Army. Its first centennial celebration was held in 1965. It’s over 150 years already and it is recognized worldwide. Even though it is a Christian denomination, but majority of the members of this group are officers and soldiers that aim to provide relief. Early in history, the process of extending support was coursed through the military leaders. They have had the power to lead their army, and to make progressive plans and triumphs. Ancient military commanders were very powerful and were able to establish very strong empires. It is because of their continuous battle that shaped the current globe, which we are living in. The wars and battles cannot be compared with the modern war, but still, some of the tactics used by those commanders are still admired today. Their brilliance in holding most of the affairs is still recognize and appreciated by many. On this list, you will find the top 10 ancient military commanders who were known for their greatness.

10. Trajan (c. 53-117AD)

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He was a soldier who spent most of his time on different campaigns. His major campaigns as emperor when he was in Germany were against Decians. He set up cash subsidiaries to help the poor children as well as building different projects. On his way to Rome, he died and his successor abandoned the conquest of Parthia. His death was a loss to many people but the territories he gained were retained.

9. Themistocles (ca. 528-462 BC)

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He was the general of the Athenian military and a politician who played a major role in defeating the Persians. He fought the Persians at the battle while he was still a young boy by age, and distinguished himself as the rescuer of all Ancient Greece. He was the creator of the Athenian sea power and the savior of Persians at the Battle of Salamis. He fought with brilliance and brought victory to the Athenians. But despite this, he was dislike by some of the leaders, which made him flew to Persia and died later.

8. Sun Tzu (ca. 5th Century BC)

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Sun Tzu contributed the art of war in Asia during the ancient Chinese military treaties. He was an author of different books on military strategy and later, on politics and business. He contributed majorly on the different tactics and strategies the Asian military were using. He was ranked the highest military general and tactician. He considered war as unnecessary evil that must be avoided at all cost and it should be fought smoothly so that it does not affect the economy.

7. Ramses II (ca. 1303-1213BC)

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He is the most famous pharaoh in ancient Egypt. He led to the first ever signing of the world official peace treaty. He made the stretch of his kingdom from north of Syria to the cataract of Nile. He was the third ruler taking the thrown by the age of 20 years. For the second longest reign of the ancient Egypt, Ramses II ruled for 67 years. During his rule, Egypt was marked by numerous military wars and he was famous for his military strength. He was interested in architecture that led to erection of many monuments which are present up to date.

6. Julius Caesar (100-44BC)

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He was the Roman General, politician, author of Latin, and consul. He was one of the most successful military leaders who smoothened the way for the Roman Empire. He was the first Roman military leader to showcase different military expeditions in Britain. He was a bright leader who finished his Roman conquest. Caesar was awarded the civic crown for saving lives of many citizens during the battle. When the king died, Caesar returned to Rome and began his career as a lawyer. But then, rumors started that he had himself appointed dictator and fear started that he might overthrow the government. A plot was formed by the senators to have Caesar killed, and in 44BC, he was assassinated.

5. Joshua (ca. 13th Century BC)

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As much as the story of Joshua is told in the Bible in the books of Hebrew much is still uncertain. He was a successor of Moses and a very wise military commander who made sure that the Israelites reached the Promised Land. He is famously known for abolishing the city of Jericho. He started many battles with different cities, which led to the claim of Canaan. He is the major figure in the book of Joshua in the Bible.

4. Hammurabi (ca. 1792-1750BC)

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He is famously known for his codes, which led Babylon to be the most powerful in all of the Middle East. He ruled for over 31 years and he united with Mesopotamia, which made the Babylon to be the most powerful. He removed his country from vassalage to Elam through getting military victory against its king. Among his accomplishments were building of temples, promoted agriculture, dug canals, and established justice.

3. Hannibal (247-183/182BC)

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He is one of the bright-minded military commanders on Carthage. He made his famous achievement during the Second World War when he marched an army, which included elephants from Iberia into northern Italy. He won and occupied Rome for 15 years, but roman troops came up with a way of defeating him, which forced him to go back to Carthage. Returning to his home country, he was also defeated by the Roman general where he committed suicide to avoid any humiliation.

2. Cyrus the Great (c. 600-529BC)

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He established the biggest and strongest empire ever to be seen, known as the Achaemenid Empire. He brought a reign, which lasted for 31 years where he stretched his empire from the Indus River to the east of Mediterranean. He founded Persia by uniting the Medes and the Persians. He is known for his conquest and his unprecedented attitude towards those he defeated. He conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to their promised land. It is for these qualities that he earned respect from the people he ruled.

1. Alexander the Great (356-323BC)

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He was one of the powerful emperors who died at the age of 32 in Babylon. He was the king of Macedon and a very bright military leader ever to be known throughout history. When he died, he left behind a very big empire stretching from the Ionian Sea to the far east of India. He was in the forefront leading his troops in claiming an empire from Ionian Sea to the east of India. He overwhelmingly led his army to the victories across different countries without suffering a single defeat. The young king of Macedonia became a great king by the age of 25. It is said that he died of fever in June 323Bc in Babylon.