Napoleon's Invasion of Russia

In June 1812, at the height of his powers and with much of continental Europe under his control, Napoleon began an epic and ill-fated adventure by leading his Grand Army of more than half a million soldiers into Russia. For a while the Russians engaged in a defence of strategic retreat, while Napoleon's supply lines were stretched ever thinner and his forces started to become depleted. The two sides met at Borodino, a battle of legendary proportions involving massive carnage, but inconclusive. After failing to induce Tzar Alexander I to agree a peace, Napoleon began his long retreat, the horrendous winter conditions and lack of supplies taking a terrible toll on what was left of his army.