Born in 1767. His father was an innkeeper. Young Joachim prepared himself for religious life but, in 1787, enlisted in a cavalry-chasseur regiment. By 1793, he rose to the rank of Lieutenant and became a squadron commander. Murat excelled during the royalist rebellion in 1795. He was put in command of a brigade and, within a year, was promoted to General of Brigades.
Napoleon took notice of him during the Italian campaign. Murat went to Africa and participated in all major battles in Egypt and Syria. After the 18th Brumaire, the future King of Naples was appointed General of Divisions and later Marshal, Commander of Consular Guard and, as Bonaparte's brother-in-law, was granted the title of Grand Admiral and Prince.
From 1805, Murat commanded the reserve cavalry of the Grand Army. He took part in the battles at Austerlitz, Jena, Eylau, and others. In the campaign of 1806, his troops played a crucial part in the pursuit of the defeated Prussian troops.
In 1808, Napoleon offered him the crown of Naples and Murat sat on the throne as King Joachim I. As a sovereign, Murat had misunderstandings and conflicts with the Emperor. At the beginning of the Russian campaign, he was again made commander of the cavalry. In the winter of 1813, Napoleon made him head of the army, but Murat abandoned his troops and escaped to Naples, where he entered into negotiations with coalition allies.
When the Bonaparte was dethroned, Murat lived for some time in the South of France. In the summer 1815, Murat, with a number of soldiers, landed on Corsica and tried to seize Naples. The King was arrested and sentenced to death.