Numerous myths surround the Battle of Waterloo on June 18, 1815, as it was most likely Napoleon Bonaparte's last battle. The battle probably became so famous because it sealed Napoleon's downfall and led to the deaths of thousands of soldiers. Having only just returned from exile on Elba in March 1815, Napoleon's second reign ended with his defeat at Waterloo and his exile to the South Sea island of St. Helena, where he died in 1821. But what really happened on June 18, 1815? The author provides a precise overview of the events of this historic day and the days leading up to it.