In 1800, after marching across the Alps into Northern Italy and defeating every enemy in his path, Napoleon spreads his army in a bid to encircle the Austrians and block their escape. But he has miscalculated his enemy's intentions. On a hot summer's day, near the town of Marengo, an advancing detachment of French soldiers find themselves facing 30,000 Austrians. Outmanned and outgunned, the French are soon fighting for their lives, and Napoleon faces an overwhelming defeat. But when last minute reinforcements arrive, victory may still be in sight...