Jean Lannes (1769-1809) was the son of a livery stable keeper of Lectoure. He had little education but his proficiency in sports led him to be elected serjeant-major of a battalion of volunteers and he rose by distinguished conduct to chef de brigade. After a campaign in 1796 he was promoted to General and later accompanied Napoleon to Egypt. He commanded the advanced guard in the crossing of the Alps, 1800 and was instrumental in winning the battle of Montebello from which he took his title. He was Ambassador to Portugal in 1801. He was created Duke of Montebello in 1809 by Napoleon and on the establishment of the Empire, Marshal of France. He ranks with Davout and Massena as the ablest of Napoleon's marshals and was the best exponent of the Emperor's method of war