Joachim Murat

Joachim Murat (1767-1815), marshal of France and King of Naples (1808-1815), the son of a French innkeeper. He left his theological studies to join the army at the outbreak of the French Revolution. As an officer under Napoleon Bonaparte, he served in Italy and in Egypt. He contributed to Napoleon's victories at Austerlitz (1805), at Jena (1806), and at Eylau (1807). In 1806 he became Grand Duke of Berg, and on August 1, 1808, Napoleon, now Emperor of France, proclaimed him Joachim I, King of Naples. In the expedition against Russia (1812), Murat commanded the army after Napoleon left it. After crushing the Austrians at Dresden (1813) and helping to fight the disastrous battle of Leipzig (1813), he concluded a treaty with Austria; but, as soon as he learned of Napoleon's escape from Elba, he commenced a hasty war against Austria. Murat was defeated at Ferrara and again at Tolentino (1815). After the final overthrow of Napoleon, he took refuge in Corsica. He was executed after an attempt to regain Naples.