The Top Teenage Military Prodigies in History

Across the ages, there have been extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and military prowess at a remarkably young age. These young military leaders have shown courage, strategic acumen, and determination beyond their years, commanding armies and achieving remarkable feats on the battlefield. Let’s dive into some of  the remarkable achievements of the top teenage military leaders in history, who defied age expectations and left an indelible mark on the world of warfare. \r \r 1. Henry VI of France\r \r Henry IV was the first monarch of the Bourbon branch of the Capetian dynasty of France. Although baptized Catholic, he converted to Protestantism during the French Wars of Religion. As a teenager, Henry joined and led the Huguenot forces during this period. He was known as a brave leader for such a young age and led several charges into battle himself. In 1587, at the age of 24, he defeated a royalist army at the Battle of Coutras, which would lead to his ultimate rise to the throne. He was crowned king of France in 1589.\r \r 2. Augustus (Octavian) Caesar\r \r Augustus was the son of Gaius Octavius. He was only 18 years old when news of Julius Caesar's passing reached him. He learned that Caesar had left him two-thirds of his estate and named him both his son and heir. On May 6, 44 B.C., 18-year-old Augustus led an army of more than 3,000 veteran troops into Rome. He later went with two consuls to defeat Mark Antony, and they did so. This left 19-year-old Octavius in sole command of what remained of eight Roman legions. He would see more successful military exploits later in life and eventually become the first emperor of the Roman Empire. \r \r 3. Scipio Africanus\r \r Scipio Africanus was a general during the Second Punic War who is best known for his victory over Hannibal at the Battle of Zama. Despite his age, Scipio proved to be a great military leader, just like his father, Publius Cornelius Scipio. It is believed that Scipio accompanied his father to battlefields as early as 16 years old. By the age of 18, he became a commander, then a general, and was given his own army. He defeated Hannibal, and after his victory, the Roman people wanted Scipio to become their dictator, but he declined.\r \r 4. Joan of Arc\r \r Joan of Arc lacked the traditional military prowess of other leaders and it wasn’t every day you’d find a teenage girl leading armies. Born in Domremy in 1412, Joan, at the age of 12, claimed to have received a divine vision from saints Michael, Catherine, and Margaret, instructing her to drive the English out of France. After convincing the king, Joan went to war and showed no fear on the battlefield and was noted for her courage. With the victory at Orleans, Joan was seen as a hero and was granted co-command of the French army. She played a key role in several successful campaigns, including the capture of French towns and cities.\r \r 5. Okita Soji\r \r Okita Souji was a prominent figure during the late shogunate period in Japan. He began training in swordsmanship at nine and became a master of his style at 18. At 19, he was appointed as the first unit captain of the Shinsengumi, a special police force tasked with maintaining order during a tumultuous time. Known for his exceptional leadership skills and formidable combat abilities, Okita played a crucial role in battles and notably defended his comrades during the Ikedaya Affair. Okita's life was cut short due to illness in 1868 at approximately 24 years old. He is revered as one of the 13 Kensei, or "sword saints," and one of Japan's greatest swordsmen.