born May 10, 1770, Annoux, France
died June 1, 1823, Paris
French general in the Napoleonic Wars .
Despite his noble origins, in 1790 he led his regiment in a pro-Revolutionary revolt, and he performed with merit in the Belgian campaign of 1792–93. He accompanied Napoleon to Egypt (1798–99) and was promoted to division general. As a corps commander, he had a significant impact on the victories at Austerlitz (1805), Auerstedt (1806), Jena (1806), Eylau (1807), Eckmühl (1809), and Wagram (1809). Created a duke (1808) and prince (1809) by Napoleon, Davout served as minister of war during the Hundred Days .