[Strategerist]

I really think greatest general of all time is between Alexander, Jenghis Khan, and Hannibal. Only reason so much Civil War stuff is being discussed is because we're closer to it and know a lot more about it.

Probably the greatest pre-gunpowder army of all time was the Mongols. I'm fairly certain 30,000 Mongols would defeat 30,000 Macedonians under Alexander or 30,000 under Hannibal, or 30,000 Romans under Caesar, etc.

[Cyropaedia]

I understand that Rommel was a great fan/student of Khan's.

[Defiant]

I agree that 30,000 Mongols of AD 1200 would defeat 30,000 Macedonians of BC 330. But they were from two different eras. If Alexander had come across the problem of defeating the Mongols, and lived in an era where the same technology was available to both, I think he would have done it. The armies he defeated and lands he conquered presented even greater challenges in many ways. Defeating the siege at Tyre. Defeating much larger Persian forces several times. The Bactria campaign. Defeating Porus and his elephants. These were absolutely amazing feats.

The Mongols won because no one in their day could come up with a way to counter their speed and maneuverability. If anyone could have come up with a counter strategy (without computers and wargaming), it would have been Alexander.

[omega4412]

And what about Scipio, who defeated Hannibal?

[Defiant]

Agree with you about the civil war generals being rated highly because of our familiarity with them. That's why I gave them honorable mentions, but they are not to be listed in the all time historical greats.

[CondiArmy]

I think the question should be whether a cavalry troupe of 30,000 equipped with compound bows fighting under the Genghis Khan would defeat a cavalry troupe of 30,000 equipped with compound bows fighting under Alexander or Hannibal or whoever else.

[nuke rocketeer]

I seriously doubt that Ghengis Khan could have defeated an equal Roman army at the Empire's zenith. His greatest weakness was not having efective infantry. GK had the advantage of facing enemies with no effective and capably lead army. The Mongols were nothing but hit and run cavalry and the well organized legions of the early Roman Empire would have destroyed his army.

[jpsb]

The Romans under any competant commander would make mice meat of the mongols. Under the command of an older Caesar it would be a total rout.