Origins & Early Life

Maurice de Saxe (28 October 1696 – 20 November 1750) was a prominent soldier, general and military theorist in the first half of the 18th century. The illegitimate son of Augustus II the Strong, he initially served in the Army of the Holy Roman Empire, then the Imperial Army, before entering French service. Saxe was appointed first Marshal of France, then promoted further to Marshal General of France. He is best known for his victories in the 1740 to 1748 War of the Austrian Succession, particularly the Battle of Fontenoy.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Maurice was born at Goslar, an illegitimate son of Augustus II the Strong, King of Poland, Grand Duke of Lithuania and Elector of Saxony, and the Countess Maria Aurora von Königsmarck. He was the first of eight extramarital children whom August acknowledged, although as many as 354 are claimed by sources, including Wilhelmine of Bayreuth, to have existed. In 1698, the Countess sent him to his father in Warsaw. Augustus had been elected King of Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth in the previous year, but the unsettled condition of the country obliged Maurice to spend the greater part of his youth outside its borders. This separation from his father made...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Alphonsus Liguori — Contemporary (Born in 1696) (1696): Italian bishop, theologian, and founder of the Redemptorists.
• Giovanni Battista Tiepolo — Contemporary (Born in 1696) (1696): Master Rococo painter, renowned for grand frescoes across Europe.
• Jean de La Bruyère — Contemporary (Died in 1696) (1696): French philosopher and moralist renowned for his sharp, satirical observations on human nature.
• Antonio Salieri — Contemporary (Born in 1750) (1750): Pivotal Italian composer and teacher of the late 18th-century classical opera.
• Caroline Herschel — Contemporary (Born in 1750) (1750): Pioneering astronomer, famed for comet discoveries and professional scientific career.
• Francisco de Miranda — Contemporary (Born in 1750) (1750): Venezuelan revolutionary and precursor to South American independence.
• Bernadette Lafont — Shared historical date (10-28 · Born) (1938): Iconic French actress, celebrated for her role in the New Wave movement.
• Bill Gates — Shared historical date (10-28 · Born) (1955): Co-founder of Microsoft, pioneer of the microcomputer revolution and global philanthropist.
• Ali Hassan al-Majid — Shared historical date (11-30 · Born) (1941): Notorious Iraqi military figure, cousin of Saddam Hussein, known for brutal repression.
• Andrea Doria — Shared historical date (11-30 · Born) (1466): Prominent Genoese statesman, condottiero, and admiral who dominated Mediterranean naval power.
• 1696 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1696
• October 28 (10-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on October 28
• 1750 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1750
• November 30 (11-30) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on November 30