Napoleonic cannons were artillery pieces used during the Napoleonic Wars (1803-1815), a series of conflicts involving Napoleon Bonaparte and various European coalitions. These cannons were typically made of bronze or iron and came in various calibers, with the most common being the 12-pounder. They were designed for both field and siege warfare, providing significant firepower on the battlefield. The effectiveness of Napoleonic cannons was enhanced by their mobility, allowing armies to reposition them quickly. They played a crucial role in battles such as Austerlitz and Waterloo, where their ability to deliver devastating barrages influenced the outcomes of engagements and shaped military tactics of the time.