There might not have been a “sun of Austerlitz.”

It was a bit after four that afternoon. The Russians had moved a column behind Gazan into Durenstein. His men, though victorious up to this point, were exhausted and nearly out of ammunition, with no relief in sight. Brigadier Jean Graindorge begged Marshal Mortier to escape the encirclement by boat to avoid capture or death. Mortier's answer was clear: "No! We must not separate from these brave fellows; we must be saved or perish together!" 

For most people, even veteran Napoleonic Grognards, the “War of the Third Coalition” has three distinct parts.

1. Turning away from the aborted invasion of England, Napoleon takes his army on an astonishing force march, surprises Mack and much of the Austrian army at Ulm, and forces their surrender.

2. French capture Vienna, using sneaky tactics.

3. Big, decisive battle at Austerlitz.

Game over.

Austerlitz may have been Napoleon’s classic battle, in his own estimation. It was certainly one ‘title’ he refused to award to anyone else, though several of his marshals coveted being named “Duke of Austerlitz” or something. No, it was his masterpiece.

But it was not the only battle of the war. And another one might have changed everything.