There've been many instances in hist where a major historical figure's initial success is later overshadowed by a major failure, so he/she comes to be remembered for the latter instead of the former: Harold Godwinsson is a key example- a la resounding victory at Stamford Bridge, only to be followed by defeat & death at Hastings. Of course, we've had a few posts on how Harold could've won Hastings- but what other instances of bad timing in hist can you guys think of, & how these could've eventuated differently ?