Melas became a soldier in Austria's armies at the age of 17.
Born in Transylvania, he fought in the Seven Years' War (1756-1763)
but was a solid, rather than exceptional, soldier and advanced slowly
up the ladder.
In 1799, he rose to command the army in the Italy campaign and began
it well with victories at Cassovo, Novi and a successful siege that
forced General Massena to surrender
Meeting Napoleon Bonaparte on
the field of Marengo, Melas seemed
to be on his way to another victory when he turned command over
to a subordinate.
and the arrival of reinforcements under General
Louis Desaix, swung the fight in France's favour and Melas'
army disintegrated and the remnants withdrew from North Italy.
retired in 1803.