Relation de la bataille de Marengo Berthier's relation of Marengo is both a work of historical significance and a piece of revisionist history (propaganda). Published in 1805, it was originally intended to praise Napoleon, who was at the absolute peak of his political power. Though highly detailed and accurate in many aspects of the battle, it cannot be swallowed whole and taken as gospel. The following are translations (with some editing and revision of Berthier's "facts") of the text adjoining the plates. The key to the symbols should be read as follows: Translations Infantrie de Ligne, Line Infantry Infantrie Legere, Light Infantry Cavalerie, Heavy Cavalry (predecessors of the cuirassiers, ed) Dragons, Dragoons Quartier-geniral, Headquarters Marche en avant, Advance (march forward) Marche en retraite, Retreat (retrograde march) Vignes a l'Italienne, Italian vineyards All positions can be shown as current, intermediate and original Scale: 2 millimeters = 100 meters Scale: around 2 French inches to 100 paces Battle of Marengo 14 June 1800 The Battle Berthier's Plates: Introduction Berthier's Plates: Plate 1: 8:00 am Berthier's Plates: Plate 2: Noon Berthier's Plates: Plate 3: The Climax Berthier's Plates: Plate 4: The Morning AFter Back to Empire, Eagles, & Lions Table of Contents Vol. 2 No. 3 Back to EEL List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 1993 by Emperor's Headquarters This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other articles from military history and related magazines are available at http://www.magweb.com