Well done, mate. That’s a very impressive list and good scholarship. With that said though, mind if I quibble a little? Themistocles was undoubtedly a great politician and very influential, but how great an admiral was he? I don’t think we have enough information to understand his tactical skill. His strategic skill, although standout, wasn’t genius (I think). I can’t see how he as a politician can come before Horatio Nelson, possibly one of the greatest leaders of men and the revolutionist of the Age of Sail. You mark him next to Trafalgar, but some might claim that the Nile was an even greater battle. (I don’t really know Yi Sun-Shin.)

I’m curious as to what you think makes a general. Obviously, it’s complicated and very subjective. Personally, I consider a general great not because of one battle but because of the continued command of his force. And since you asked the debate to be academic instead of contentious, I’d just throw out this last name for consideration in Tier 1. Saladin, I don’t think, had any one standout battle. However, he is held to have united the scattered Islamic lands through force of will. You said you were discounting legacy. This however was something that he did and used to repel the Crusaders. His actions marked a change in the theme of the Crusades. (Eh, whatever, he’s just a personal favorite. )

A really outstanding list. Great job. The quantity of information and quality of thought is superb.