Warhammer 40K: Five Greatest Generals In Imperial History
The Imperium of Mankind has had many battlefield generals over the years but these are the best of the best!
When it comes to the history of the Imperium there have been countless generals who have taken to the field in the name of the Emperor. Some fought for glory. Others to defend mankind. Some expanded the territory of the Imperium and others encountered truly alien foes for the first time. These are the greatest generals that the Imperium has ever had.
Note: We’re skipping The Emperor of Man for obvious reasons…he’s #1 for sure!
Roboute Guilliman
We need to start the list off with one General that’s arguably had the biggest impact and longest career. Love’em or Hate’em Guilliman not only created the Codex for all other Space Marines to follow after the Horus Heresy but he also established the Ultramar Worlds. His own “empire” is the template for the rest of the Imperium and he’s battle tactics literally defined the Space Marine playbook. He fought alongside the Emperor and has returned to help guide the Imperium once more. Roboute Guilliman is currently the greatest general serving in the Imperium.
Lord Commander Solar Macharius
There might be other Lord Commander Solars, but none of them come close to Macharius. He lead a crusade that brought in nearly one thousand worlds to the Imperium’s fold during the Macharian Crusade. What’s truly impressive about the the crusade is that it took just seven years! Given the fact that Macharius was “just a man” and not a genetically enhance superhuman it really is quite the feat. He might have died under mysterious circumstances but that doesn’t take away the fact that he was one of the greatest generals in Imperial history.
Lion El’Jonson
Lion El’Jonson is another Primarch who’s tactical acumen is top tier for sure. Known to be slow to anger and methodical in approach, when the Lion strikes, he goes in for the kill. The question will always remain “What would have happened if he wasn’t betrayed by Luthor?” Could the Dark Angels have been as influential as the Ultramarines? Could the Lion have led the Imperium in a post-heresy universe?
He’s perhaps the greatest duelist alive and that same fighting mindset is how he approaches the battle when he’s commanding his troops. Woe be to any foes that are facing off against a prepared Lion El’Jonson!
Marneus Calgar
I know a lot of folks like to talk trash about the Ultramarines. They are easy targets as they are the poster boys for 40k. And, for years, Marneus Calgar was their Chapter Master — he still is even after Guilliman’s return. That’s actually really high praises when your Primarch gives you the nod to be the Supreme Commander of all Imperial Forces on Vigilus! Let’s not forget that Calgar has gone toe-to-toe with just about every big threat in the Grimdark. He also led the Ultramarines in a heroic defense against the Tyranids during the First Tyrannic War. Calgar is an awesome general in the service to the Imperium and has faithfully led the Ultramarines in service to the Emperor. He’s one the greatest generals in the Imperium for sure.
Commander Dante, Chapter Master of the Blood Angels
To round out our top five we have to go with Commander Dante. You don’t get to live to be 1,100 as a Space Marine without knowing how to be a successful General. He’s the oldest living Space Marine (not counting Dreadnoughts or Primarchs) in the Imperium and commands respect from everyone who’s heard of him. He’s led the Blood Angels in countless battles and even survived his own Tyranid Invasion (with some outside help). Guilliman named him Lord Regent of Imperium Nihilus and he’s also fought alongside the returned Lion El’Jonson. Dante is a legendary General and if nothing else he’s one of the luckiest Space Marines in history!
There are many, many more generals in the Imperium that could be on our lists — who would you rank up with these titans of the Imperium?
