When the Few Defeated the Mighty: Small Armies and the Leaders Who Toppled Giants

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Disclaimer: This image is AI-generated for illustrative purposes and does not depict real people or events directly.

Introduction

In the history of warfare, some of the greatest military victories were not won by the biggest armies, but by smart planning, brave leadership, and strong determination.

These five battles show how smaller or weaker forces used clever tactics, the land, and the will to win to defeat powerful enemies.


1. Henry V at the Battle of Agincourt (1415)

Conflict: Hundred Years’ War: England vs. France

In the Hundred Years’ War, King Henry V of England faced the French army that outnumbered his own. His army had sick, exhausted soldiers and was running low on supplies. 

The English had little chance of winning the war.

But Henry was a  clever king. He arranged his archers behind wooden stakes on muddy terrain which was a good idea for defense. 

As the  French knights approached, they got stuck in the mud, becoming vulnerable to the rain of arrows from the Englishmen.

When they reached the English lines, they were disorganized and exhausted.

Why it worked:

  • Use of terrain to neutralize cavalry.
  • The power of the English longbow.
  • Henry’s strict command and battlefield experience.

Agincourt became a symbol of bravery and smart strategy. It supported England’s claim to French land and inspired stories like Shakespeare’s Henry V.


2. Miltiades and the Athenian Hoplites at Marathon (490 BCE)

Greco-Persian Wars: Athens vs. Persia.

The Persian Empire was large and seen as unbeatable. They sent a big army to punish Athens for helping the Ionian Revolt.

About 10,000 Athenians faced a Persian force at least twice their size.

Under the command of Miltiades, the Athenians surprised the Persians by attacking first.

Instead of waiting, they ran across the plain and caught the Persians off guard.

Their strong armor and tight battle formation helped them break through the sides and surround the Persian center.

Why it worked:

  • Bold, preemptive strike.
  • Superior discipline and armor.
  • Exploiting enemy formation weaknesses.

The victory at Marathon preserved Athenian independence and gave birth to the legend of the "Marathon run." It marked the beginning of Greek confidence in resisting Persian domination.


3. Alexander the Great at Gaugamela (331 BCE)

Alexander the Great fought the Persian king Darius III at the Battle of Gaugamela.

Although Alexander’s army was much smaller, about five times smaller than the Persian force, he used smart tactics.

He tricked the Persians by pretending to attack one side, then used fast cavalry movements to break their formation. 

When a gap opened in the Persian lines, Alexander led a direct charge toward Darius. 

Darius fled the battlefield, and without their leader, the Persian army fell apart.

Why it worked:

  • Masterful use of cavalry and battlefield deception.
  • Elite training of Macedonian troops.
  • Alexander’s charisma and personal leadership.

This battle effectively ended the Persian Empire. Alexander’s conquest spread Greek culture across three continents and marked the beginning of the Hellenistic Age.


4. Hannibal’s Tactical Genius at Cannae (216 BCE): 

Second Punic War: Carthage vs. Rome.

Hannibal was far from home and had fewer soldiers, but he defeated a huge Roman army of about 80,000 men.

At the Battle of Cannae, he set up his troops in a curved shape to trick the Romans into attacking the middle.

As they moved in, his soldiers on the sides closed in and trapped them.

This clever tactic is still taught in military schools today.

Why it worked:

  • Deception and battlefield psychology.
  • Flexible troop formations.
  • Exploiting enemy aggression and overconfidence.

Though Hannibal never captured Rome, Cannae was a tactical achievement. It exposed Roman vulnerabilities and forced them to rethink their military strategies.


5. Guerrilla Warfare in the Vietnam War (1955–1975): 

Cold War-era conflict: North Vietnam & Viet Cong vs. United States & South Vietnam

Even though the United States had more advanced weapons like helicopters and napalm, the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong used guerrilla tactics and their knowledge of the land to fight back.

They used tunnels, surprise attacks, and quick strikes to avoid big battles and slowly weaken the enemy.

Their strong beliefs and use of propaganda helped them keep going.

Why it worked:

  • Asymmetric tactics and deep local knowledge.
  • Political unity and strategic patience.
  • Undermining public support in the U.S. through prolonged conflict.

The U.S. withdrawal from Vietnam was one of the most humbling moments in its military history.

Vietnam’s victory showed that modern wars can't always be won with power alone, especially against determined fighters.


These battles prove that victory doesn’t always go to the side with the most men or the biggest weapons. 

Timing and clever tactics, strong leadership, and the will to fight brought a difference in battlefield history. 

The lesson remains clear: never underestimate the few who fight with purpose.


Related topics:

Most dangerous armies in the ancient world

https://historyforumtz.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-most-dangerous-armies-in-ancient.html

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