Napoleon's Misunderstood Height

Napoleon Bonaparte's height has been widely misrepresented in history, often leading to the belief that he was exceptionally short. At the time of his death, he measured approximately 5 feet 2 inches in French units, which translates to around 5 feet 6.5 inches in modern measurements, placing him slightly below average for his era. This perception of Napoleon's stature was exacerbated by propaganda and his choice to surround himself with taller soldiers, giving the impression that he was smaller than he truly was. The narrative surrounding his height contributed to the concept of the 'Napoleon complex,' a term used to describe short individuals who exhibit compensatory behaviors or attitudes.