Greatest General

Who was the greatest Roman General?  Keep in mind that a good general is one that has good tactical ability, is an able leader of men, and is someone who has a good grip of overall strategy.

A few noteworthies(with brief descriptions):

Quintus Fabius Maximus( Cunctator):  This is the man that was made famous by his strategy of avoiding a pitched battle with Hannibal.  His strategical theories were highly revered by the Romans, and were standard practice for a long period of time.

Marcus Licinius Crassus:  Though he had major mistakes in his Parthian Campaign, Crassus undoubtedly showed ability as a commander when he systematically destroyed Spartacus' Slave Army.

Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo:  Most of the successes of this highly renowed ist Century AD commander came from wars in Germany and Armenia.  Nero so feared Corbulo as a rival, that he ordered him to commit suicide.

Belisarius:  One of the skilled cavalry commanders of the Roman Armies of Late Antiquity.  His most noteable successes came in his campaigns on the Persian Frontier, in Africa, and in Italy.

Gaius Marius:  Traditionally, Gaius Marius gets the credit for converting Rome's Army from a Citizen Militia into the Professional Army.  He  had victories against Jugurtha and the migrating CImbri, but was later involved in the First Civil War.

Narses:  Initially sent as support to Belisarius, Narses soon found fame of his own on the battlefield.  He had victories at Taginae and Casilinium.  It should be noted that he made much more effective use of his infantry than Belisarius did his.

Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus:  Certainly one of the more innovative Roman Commanders, and widely considered the best Roman Coammnder of the Second Punic War.  His most famous successes came in the Second Punic war when he destroyed the Carthaginians in Spain, and moved thewar to Africa, where he defeated Hannibal.  He also had success in Gaul, and against the Seleucids.

Publius Cornelius Scipio Aemilianus:  Was noted for his service in Spain early in the Third Punic War.  Later in the war, he received command in Africa, and played a large role in the destruction of Carthage.  He also had success against Numantia.

Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus:  He had noteable success in his various posts in places like Sicily, Spain, and Africa.  He also completed the defeat of Mithridates, but would later go on to be defeated in the Civil War.

Publius Cornelius Sulla-  Sulla is famous for being the first Roman General to march on Riome.  He had major successes when he put down the Pontic Invasion of Greece, leading him to declare himself dictator.

(Note that all Emperors have been excluded.  Please do not post an Emperor or Usurper as your pick.)

That would be Cincinnatus.  He had ben called upon to defeat the Aequi, and did so in 16 days, after which, he went back to his farms.

Gordian III! I love Gordian III. Well, yes, he was a Roman emperor, but he was a general as well. He gained the throne at the age of thirteen, and soon, the Sassanian Empire invaded Rome's eastern provinces, led by Shapur I (�The Great�). He defeated Shapur and drove his forces back to Persia, though he was later assassinated by Phillip the Arab, who assumed the throne after his death. After Gordian's death, he was treated to a funeral celebrating the Sassanian defeat, and honoring the Emperor.

Maybe one Caius Iulis Caesar?

You are forgetting also Marcellus.

My post had no intention for criticism. Just to add some elements for discussion.

This is one of the most incredible things in the history that men who were lawyers, orators and politicians and didnt have big military past were becoming great generals and conquerors. For them (i mean generals of republican Rome) their army was nothing more but just a tool to get monay, fame or even power. Most of them didnt even think about tiding life with the army. It wasnt their goal to spent life on the battlefields on in camps. But somehow, they were winning battles, conquering countries and foreign nations, defeating much bigger enemy forces. Affcourse everyone of them was in the army before, as the young boy or even minor commander. But usually their military experiences were short, their ranks often only honorary.

As for the generals listed above i think that especially one name is not well known by everyone. Quintus Sertorius

This man had to be one of the greatest military talents of his century. It is a pity that was murdered because i belive that the war between him and Pompey would be really interesting. Of them 2 - i would bet monay for Sertorius.

I remember iv read that after long time which he and his troops spent in Spain his legions were no longer using classic roman tactics but rather adopted tactics of local tribes. If he had more time he would probably organise Spain into state (what he already almost did) and maybe even march on Rome. I think there are many similarities between him and Caesar.

Why not the emperors? Julius Caesar Julius Caesar Germanicus and Sertorius are my favourites.