Michael von Melas
Michael Friedrich Benedikt Baron von Melas entered the world on the 12th of May 1729 in Radeln, Transylvania. This small settlement now bears the name Roadeș within Bunești commune, Brașov County, Romania. He was a man of Greek descent born into the Austrian Empire's borders. At age seventeen, he made his first decision to join the Austrian Army. That choice set him on a path that would span decades of conflict across Europe.
The Seven Years' War provided the stage for Melas early military education. He served as aide de camp for Leopold Josef Graf Daun during these turbulent years. Daun commanded significant forces against Prussia and its allies throughout the conflict. Melas learned the arts of staff work under Daun's direct supervision. Promotion to colonel came much later in 1781 after years of steady service.
Austrian forces in Italy faced Napoleon Bonaparte during the War of the Second Coalition. General of the cavalry Michael von Melas led these troops alongside Russian field marshal Alexander Suvorov. Suvorov commanded all Second Coalition forces while Melas directed Austrian units specifically. They achieved victories at Cassano, Trebbia, Novi, Genola, and the Siege of Genoa. These successes brought them near another victory over Napoleon before Marengo intervened.
The Battle of Marengo marked a turning point where tactical error cost Austria dearly. Von Melas handed command to a subordinate believing they pursued a beaten foe from the field. A stand made by French forces further down the road changed everything. French General Louis Desaix launched a counter-attack that crushed Austrian hopes. The day after this battle he signed the Convention of Alessandria. This agreement gave rule of Italy up to the Mincio River to Napoleon. Habsburg Crown authority was forced out of Italy as a consequence.
Michael von Melas served as a Habsburg commander in Bohemia during his later years. He retired from active duty in 1803 after decades of service. His final days were spent in Týnec nad Labem within Bohemia. He died on the 31st of May 1806 at that location. His grave remains in Bohemia today as a marker of his long career.
Continue Browsing
Common questions
When and where was Michael von Melas born?
Michael Friedrich Benedikt Baron von Melas entered the world on the 12th of May 1729 in Radeln, Transylvania. This small settlement now bears the name Roadeș within Bunești commune, Brașov County, Romania.
Who did Michael von Melas serve as aide de camp during the Seven Years' War?
He served as aide de camp for Leopold Josef Graf Daun during these turbulent years. Daun commanded significant forces against Prussia and its allies throughout the conflict while Melas learned the arts of staff work under his direct supervision.
Which battles did General of the cavalry Michael von Melas win alongside Alexander Suvorov?
They achieved victories at Cassano, Trebbia, Novi, Genola, and the Siege of Genoa. These successes brought them near another victory over Napoleon before Marengo intervened.
What happened to Austrian control of Italy after the Battle of Marengo?
The day after this battle he signed the Convention of Alessandria which gave rule of Italy up to the Mincio River to Napoleon. Habsburg Crown authority was forced out of Italy as a consequence.
When and where did Michael von Melas die?
His final days were spent in Týnec nad Labem within Bohemia and he died on the 31st of May 1806 at that location. His grave remains in Bohemia today as a marker of his long career.