Random Worst Defeats in Military History (17 items)

(#16) Battle of the Little Bighorn
- Montana, United States of America
The Battle of Little Bighorn was a watershed moment in American history, as the US government attempted to expand America ever westward and bring free-roaming Native tribes to heal, and conform to a reservation-based way of life.

The battle was waged by a collective of Native American tribes and the American 7th Cavalry Regiment, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Custer. When Custer's 600 men entered Little Bighorn Valley in Montana to accost the Natives, 3,000 warriors met them head-on. After an hour, Custer and all his men perished. This showdown is famously known as Custer's Last Stand.
(#14) Battle of Trafalgar
- Cape Trafalgar
The Battle of Trafalgar was one of the most decisive naval victories in recorded history. British hero Lord Nelson defeated a joint French-Spanish fleet, commanded by Admiral Villeneuve, off the coast of Spain.

Slightly outnumbered, Nelson used surprise to his advantage. His forces sunk 19 enemy ships and lost not one vessel themselves. Nelson himself was slain by a French sniper, but his victory at Trafalgar ensured Napoleon would never be able to invade Britain.
(#10) Spanish Armada

The destruction of the Spanish Armada is one of the greatest naval defeats of all time. The Spanish amassed a massive fleet, under the command of the Duke of Medina Sidonia, to conquer Britain. The outnumbered and outgunned Brits, led by Sir Francis Drake, took advantage of the large Spanish vessels, which lacked maneuverability. Drake's forces used fire ships, or ships loaded with explosives, lit on fire, and sent at the enemy.

Forced to retreat under a fusillade of fire ships it couldn't evade, the Spanish Armada was destroyed by a storm on its way back to Spain.
(#9) Battle of Agincourt
- Azincourt, France
The Battle of Agincourt was a major engagement in the conflict that raged for a hundred years between England and France, famously dramatized by William Shakespeare in Henry V with the St Crispin's Day Speech.

The English, led by King Henry V, were less than 6,000 strong, and trying to retreat from enemy territory when blocked by a French army of 20,000. When the French advanced slowly in their heavy armor, the English used the superior range of their longbows for distant combat. Even the French cavalry couldn't outflank the English when fired on by their archers. In the end, about 6,000 Frenchmen were lost, while Henry only lost 400 men.

The Battle of Agincourt is known as one of the greatest victories in military history. But in every great victory, there's a loser's worst defeat.
(#5) Battle of Achelous
- Aheloy
The Battle of Achelous was waged between Bulgarian forces and the Byzantine Empire, on the banks of the Achelous River. The Byzantines gained an early advantage and, over confident, broke formation and chased Bulgarians as they retreated. Hidden Bulgarian cavalry units punished Byzantine soldiers for this mistake, dismantling them. The Bulgarian victory was overwhelming and decisive.
(#1) Battle of Cannae
- Roman Italy, Italy
The Battle of Cannae was fought between the forces of Rome and Carthage, the latter led by Hannibal. Hoping for a decisive victory over Hannibal, Rome sent a massive force after the Carthaginian army. Outnumbered, Hannibal drew the Romans in with a retreating line of men, before flanking them with spearmen. A cavalry charge from the rear surrounded the Romans, and the army of Carthage devastated them.

The Battle of Cannae is known as the greatest defeat in Roman history, and one of the great strategic coups in history. As many as 70,000 Roman soldiers were lost in the battle.