Battles of the Italian Wars

(1494-1559)

Battle of Rapallo (1494)

The Battle of Rapallo was a French victory during the Italian Wars, where Charles VIII's army defeated the forces of the Republic of Genoa. This battle marked the beginning of French dominance in Italy, as Charles VIII aimed to claim the Kingdom of Naples.

French Victory

Siege of Mordano

The Siege of Mordano saw French forces besiege and capture the town of Mordano. The successful siege demonstrated the effectiveness of French artillery and contributed to their momentum in Italy.

French Victory

Siege of Fivizzano

The Siege of Fivizzano was a brief but intense conflict where French forces successfully captured the town. The fall of Fivizzano further exemplified the rapid French advances during the early stages of the Italian Wars.

French Victory

Battle of Seminara

The Battle of Seminara was fought on June 28, 1495, between the French forces, bolstered by Swiss mercenaries, and the allied forces of Spain and Naples. The French cavalry and Swiss infantry decisively defeated the allies, leading to significant reforms in the Spanish military tactics.

French Victory

Battle of Fornovo

The Battle of Fornovo was fought on July 6, 1495, between the French army under King Charles VIII and the forces of the Italian League. The battle marked the end of Charles's Italian expedition. Although the French managed to escape with most of their plunder, they did not gain control over Italy, and the battle signaled the beginning of long-term French involvement in Italian affairs.

French Victory

Siege of the Castel Nuovo

The Siege of the Castel Nuovo took place from July 6 to December 8, 1495, in Naples during the First Italian War. The French army under Charles VIII initially captured the castle, but Neapolitan forces later reclaimed it after a protracted siege, marking a significant setback for the French in their campaign to control Naples.

Neopolitan Victory

Siege of Novara

The Siege of Novara from July 19 to September 24, 1495, was a pivotal conflict during the First Italian War. French forces besieged the town of Novara, ultimately capturing it from the forces of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. This victory reinforced French influence in the region and demonstrated the effectiveness of their military strategies.

French Victory

Siege of Atella

The Siege of Atella in July-August 1496 was a critical engagement in the First Italian War. Spanish forces, allied with Neapolitans, besieged the French-held town of Atella. The protracted siege ended with the French surrender, significantly weakening French positions in southern Italy and contributing to the eventual withdrawal of French forces from the Italian Peninsula.

Spanish Victory

Siege of Ostia

The Siege of Ostia in 1497 saw Papal forces besiege and capture the town of Ostia from the French. This victory was a significant move by Pope Alexander VI to consolidate power and expel French influence from central Italy, reinforcing Papal authority in the region.

Papal Victory

Siege of Forlì

The Siege of Forlì, from December 19, 1499, to January 12, 1500, involved French forces besieging the fortress of Forlì, held by Caterina Sforza. Despite fierce resistance, the French succeeded in capturing the fortress, highlighting the determination of the French to expand their control in Italy and marking the decline of local Italian resistance.

French Victory

Battle of Novara (1500)

The Battle of Novara, fought on April 8, 1500, saw the French forces led by Louis d'Orléans defeat the troops of Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan. This victory allowed the French to take control of the Duchy of Milan, marking a significant shift in power in Northern Italy.

French Victory

Sack of Capua

The Sack of Capua on July 24, 1501, saw French forces capture and brutally sack the town of Capua. This event was marked by widespread violence and pillaging, demonstrating the ruthless tactics employed by the French to secure their positions in southern Italy during the Second Italian War.

French Victory

Battle of Ruvo

The Battle of Ruvo on February 23, 1503, was a significant clash between Spanish and French forces during the Second Italian War. The Spanish victory at Ruvo solidified their control over Apulia, demonstrating their growing dominance in southern Italy and setting the stage for further Spanish successes in the conflict.

Spanish Victory

Battle of Seminara

The Battle of Seminara on April 21, 1503, saw Spanish forces decisively defeat the French. This battle further cemented Spanish control in Calabria, illustrating the effective military strategies employed by the Spanish and contributing to their overall success in the Italian Wars.

Spanish Victory

Battle of Cerignola

The Battle of Cerignola, fought on April 28, 1503, was a decisive Spanish victory against the French during the Third Italian War. This battle is significant as one of the first European battles won using gunpowder weapons, marking a shift from cavalry to infantry dominance on the battlefield. Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba's tactical use of arquebusiers behind defensive positions played a crucial role.

Spanish Victory

Battle of Garigliano

The Battle of Garigliano, fought on December 29, 1503, was a key engagement in the Second Italian War. The Spanish army under Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba defeated the French forces, securing Spanish control over the Kingdom of Naples. The battle is noted for the strategic use of terrain and bridging materials by the Spanish to achieve a decisive victory.

Spanish Victory

Siege of Genoa

The Siege of Genoa in April 1507 saw French forces under Louis XII successfully besiege and capture the city from its defenders. This victory was part of the broader War of the League of Cambrai, aimed at curbing Venetian power and expanding French influence in northern Italy.

French Victory

Battle of Cadore

The Battle of Cadore on March 2, 1508, was a notable Venetian victory against the forces of the Holy Roman Empire. The battle demonstrated Venice's military resilience and determination to defend its territories during the War of the League of Cambrai.

Venetian Victory

Battle of Agnadello

The Battle of Agnadello, fought on May 14, 1509, was a significant conflict in the War of the League of Cambrai. The French forces under King Louis XII achieved a decisive victory over the Venetian army. This battle marked a major setback for Venice, leading to the loss of much of its mainland territories.

French Victory

Siege of Padua

The Siege of Padua from September 15 to 30, 1509, saw Venetian forces successfully defend the city against the League of Cambrai. This victory was crucial for Venice, preserving its control over a key stronghold and boosting its morale in the face of a formidable coalition.

Venetian Victory

Battle of Polesella

The Battle of Polesella on December 22, 1509, saw Ferrarese forces achieve a significant victory over the Venetians. The battle, fought on the Po River, underscored the strategic importance of naval power in the conflict and disrupted Venetian supply lines.

Ferrarese Victory

Siege of Mirandola

The Siege of Mirandola from January 2 to 19, 1511, saw Papal forces under Pope Julius II capture the town from the Duchy of Ferrara. This victory was part of the Papal efforts to curb Ferrara's influence and assert control over strategic territories in the region.

Papal Victory

Sack of Brescia

The Sack of Brescia on February 18, 1512, saw French forces capture and brutally sack the city, resulting in significant destruction and loss of life. This event demonstrated the harsh realities of the war and served as a warning to other cities resisting French domination.

French Victory

Battle of Ravenna

The Battle of Ravenna, fought on April 11, 1512, was a major engagement in the War of the League of Cambrai. The French and Ferrarese forces defeated the Spanish-Papal army, but the victory was overshadowed by the death of the French commander Gaston de Foix. This battle is notable for its heavy artillery use and the significant casualties on both sides.

French Victory

Battle of Saint-Mathieu

The Battle of Saint-Mathieu on August 10, 1512, was a naval engagement where the English fleet defeated the French off the coast of Brittany. The battle marked a significant victory for the English, weakening the French navy and securing English dominance at sea during the War of the League of Cambrai.

English Victory

Battle of Novara (1513)

The Battle of Novara, fought on June 6, 1513, was a decisive victory for the Milanese and Swiss forces against the French. This battle marked the end of French domination in Milan, as the Swiss and Milanese troops successfully repelled the French from Northern Italy.

Milanese Victory

Battle of the Spurs

The Battle of the Spurs on August 16, 1513, was a decisive victory for the Anglo-Imperial forces over the French near Guinegate. The battle was named for the swift flight of the French cavalry, and it bolstered the morale of the English and their allies while weakening French resolve.

Imperial Victory

Siege of Dijon

The Siege of Dijon from September 8 to 13, 1513, involved Swiss forces besieging the French-held city. The Swiss victory forced the French to negotiate, leading to a temporary cessation of hostilities and demonstrating the military prowess of the Swiss Confederation.

Swiss Victory

Battle of Flodden

The Battle of Flodden on September 9, 1513, saw English forces decisively defeat the Scots, who were allied with France. The battle resulted in the death of King James IV of Scotland and many Scottish nobles, significantly weakening Scotland and impacting the broader conflict in favor of the English.

English Victory

Battle of La Motta

The Battle of La Motta, also known as the Battle of Vicenza, was fought on October 7, 1513. The Imperial forces decisively defeated the Venetian army, marking a significant victory in the War of the League of Cambrai. This battle underscored the military prowess of the Imperial army and diminished Venetian influence in Northern Italy.

Imperial Victory

Battle of Marignano

The Battle of Marignano, fought on September 13-14, 1515, was a decisive victory for the Franco-Venetian alliance against the Swiss and the Duchy of Milan. This battle marked the end of Swiss dominance in Northern Italy and solidified French King Francis I's control over Milan.

French Victory

Siege of Urbino

The Siege of Urbino in January 1517 saw Papal forces successfully besiege and capture the city, which was held by Francesco Maria I della Rovere. This victory solidified Papal control over Urbino, demonstrating Pope Leo X's commitment to expanding and consolidating his territorial power in central Italy.

Papal Victory

Siege of the Mondolfo Castle

The Siege of the Mondolfo Castle in April 1517 saw forces from Urbino successfully defend the castle against Papal troops. This victory was crucial for the Duchy of Urbino, allowing them to maintain control over strategic territories despite the Papal aggression.

Urbinate Victory

Battle of Pampeluna

The Battle of Pampeluna on May 20, 1521, was a significant Spanish victory over the French during the Italian War of 1521-1526. The battle saw the Spanish forces defend and recapture the city of Pampeluna, solidifying their control over the region and weakening French influence in Navarre.

Spanish Victory

Siege of Logroño

The Siege of Logroño from May 25 to June 11, 1521, saw Spanish forces successfully defend the city against the French. This siege was a critical part of the Italian War of 1521-1526, and the Spanish victory helped to secure their northern frontiers and maintain control over Navarre.

Spanish Victory

Battle of Noáin

The Battle of Noáin on June 30, 1521, saw Spanish forces decisively defeat the French near Pamplona. This battle was a turning point in the Italian War of 1521-1526, securing Spanish dominance in Navarre and repelling French advances in the region.

Spanish Victory

Siege of Mézières

The Siege of Mézières in September 1521 saw French forces successfully defend the city against Imperial troops. This victory was crucial in maintaining French control in the region and showcased the resilience and strategic capabilities of the French military during the Italian War of 1521-1526.

French Victory

Siege of Tournai

The Siege of Tournai in November 1521 saw Imperial forces besiege and capture the city from the French. This victory was a significant achievement for the Holy Roman Empire, consolidating their power in the Low Countries during the Italian War of 1521-1526.

Imperial Victory

Battle of Bicocca

The Battle of Bicocca on April 29, 1522, was a decisive Imperial victory over the French and their Venetian allies. The battle demonstrated the effectiveness of modern warfare tactics, such as the use of entrenched positions and firearms, and marked a turning point in the Italian War of 1521-1526. This victory ensured Imperial control over Milan and marked the decline of Swiss infantry dominance.

Imperial Victory

Siege of Genoa (1522)

The Siege of Genoa in May 1522 saw Imperial forces capture the city from the French. This victory was a crucial step in securing Imperial dominance in northern Italy, weakening French influence in the region during the Italian War of 1521-1526.

Imperial Victory

Battle of San Marcial

The Battle of San Marcial on June 30, 1522, was a significant Spanish victory over the French near Irun. The battle reinforced Spanish control over the Basque Country and further diminished French capabilities in the region during the Italian War of 1521-1526.

Spanish Victory

Battle of the Sesia

The Battle of the Sesia on April 30, 1524, was a decisive Imperial victory over the French. The battle was notable for the effective use of combined arms tactics by the Imperial forces, which contributed to their success and further weakened French positions in northern Italy.

Imperial Victory

Siege of Marseille

The Siege of Marseille from August to September 1524 saw French forces successfully defend the city against an Imperial siege. This victory was crucial for maintaining French control over the strategic port and thwarting Imperial advances in southern France.

French Victory

Battle of Pavia

The Battle of Pavia on February 24, 1525, was a decisive Imperial victory over the French. The battle resulted in the capture of King Francis I of France and marked a turning point in the Italian War of 1521-1526, leading to significant territorial and political changes in favor of the Holy Roman Empire.

Imperial Victory

Battle of Camollia

The Battle of Camollia on November 25, 1526, was a decisive Florentine victory over the forces of Pope Clement VII. This battle highlighted the tensions between the Papal States and Florence and marked a significant moment in the Italian Wars as Florence asserted its independence.

Florentine Victory

Battle of Governolo

The Battle of Governolo on November 25, 1526, saw Imperial forces decisively defeat the League of Cognac. The battle was a significant victory for the Holy Roman Empire, weakening the anti-Imperial coalition and consolidating Imperial power in northern Italy.

Imperial Victory

Sack of Rome

The Sack of Rome on May 6, 1527, by the troops of Charles V marked a catastrophic event in the War of the League of Cognac. The mutinous Imperial army ravaged the city, leading to widespread destruction and significant political ramifications, including the imprisonment of Pope Clement VII.

Imperial Victory

Sack of Pavia

The Sack of Pavia from October 1 to 12, 1527, saw French forces capture and pillage the city. This event was part of the ongoing War of the League of Cognac, illustrating the French efforts to disrupt Imperial control in northern Italy and the widespread destruction characteristic of the conflict.

French Victory

Siege of Melfi

The Siege of Melfi from March 22 to 23, 1528, was a brief but intense engagement where Imperial forces captured the city from the French. This victory was part of the broader efforts by Charles V to consolidate control over southern Italy during the War of the League of Cognac.

Imperial Victory

Siege of Naples

The Siege of Naples from April to August 1528 saw Imperial forces successfully defend the city against the French. The prolonged siege highlighted the strategic importance of Naples and ended with the French retreating, consolidating Imperial dominance in southern Italy during the War of the League of Cognac.

Imperial Victory

Battle of Capo d'Orso

The Battle of Capo d'Orso on April 28-29, 1528, was a significant naval engagement in which Imperial forces defeated the French fleet. The battle, fought off the coast of Amalfi, disrupted French supply lines and reinforced Imperial naval dominance in the Mediterranean during the War of the League of Cognac.

Imperial Victory

Siege of Catanzaro

The Siege of Catanzaro from May to August 1528 saw Imperial forces successfully capture the city from the French. The siege was part of the broader efforts by Charles V to solidify control over southern Italy, further diminishing French influence in the region during the War of the League of Cognac.

Imperial Victory

Battle of Aversa

The Battle of Aversa in August 1528 was a significant clash where Imperial forces defeated the French. The battle was part of the ongoing conflict between Charles V and the French, and the Imperial victory further solidified their control over southern Italy.

Imperial Victory

Siege of Monopoli

The Siege of Monopoli from March 15 to May 28, 1529, saw Imperial forces capture the city from the French. This victory was part of Charles V's broader strategy to consolidate control over southern Italy and eliminate French influence in the region during the War of the League of Cognac.

Imperial Victory

Battle of Landriano

The Battle of Landriano on June 21, 1529, was a decisive Imperial victory over the French. The battle effectively ended French ambitions in Italy for the time being and led to the signing of the Treaty of Cambrai, which restored peace between the warring parties.

Imperial Victory

Siege of Florence

The Siege of Florence, lasting from October 24, 1529, to August 10, 1530, marked the end of the Florentine Republic. Imperial forces, allied with Pope Clement VII, besieged the city, leading to its surrender and the restoration of the Medici dynasty.

Imperial Victory

Battle of Gavinana

The Battle of Gavinana on August 3, 1530, was a decisive Imperial victory over Florentine forces. The battle resulted in the death of Florentine commander Francesco Ferrucci and cemented Imperial control over Florence, leading to the end of the Republic of Florence and the restoration of Medici power.

Imperial Victory

Siege of Corroy

The Siege of Corroy in July-August 1542 saw forces of Guelders-Cleves, allied with France, besiege and capture Corroy from the Imperial-Brabantine army. This victory was part of the broader conflict between the Holy Roman Empire and France, with regional powers also vying for control.

French Victory

Siege of Perpignan

The Siege of Perpignan from July to September 1542 saw Spanish forces successfully defend the city against French besiegers. The Spanish victory was crucial in maintaining control over the strategic location and demonstrated the resilience of Spanish defenses during the Italian War of 1542-1546.

Spanish Victory

Siege of Landrecies

The Siege of Landrecies in May 1543 saw French forces capture the town from the Imperial army. The siege was part of the larger conflict between France and the Holy Roman Empire, with the French victory bolstering their position in northern France during the Italian War of 1542-1546.

French Victory

Battle of Muros Bay

The Battle of Muros Bay on July 25, 1543, was a significant naval engagement where the Spanish fleet defeated the French. The Spanish victory ensured control over the waters around Galicia, disrupting French naval operations and securing Spanish maritime dominance during the Italian War of 1542-1546.

Spanish Victory

Siege of Nice

The Siege of Nice from August 6 to 22, 1543, saw French and Ottoman forces besiege and capture the city from the Duke of Savoy. This rare alliance between France and the Ottoman Empire highlighted the complex diplomatic relationships of the period and marked a significant moment in the Italian War of 1542-1546.

French Victory

Battle of Ceresole

The Battle of Ceresole on April 11, 1544, was a significant French victory over Imperial and Spanish forces. The battle, fought in northern Italy, showcased the tactical innovations of the French military and marked a major turning point in the Italian War of 1542-1546.

French Victory

Battle of Serravalle

The Battle of Serravalle from June 2 to 4, 1544, saw Imperial-Spanish forces defeat Italian mercenaries in French service. This victory was crucial in securing Imperial-Spanish control over northern Italy and further weakening French influence during the Italian War of 1542-1546.

Imperial Victory

Siege of Saint-Dizier

The Siege of Saint-Dizier from July to August 1544 saw Imperial forces successfully besiege and capture the town from the French. The Imperial victory was part of Charles V's campaign to weaken French defenses and advance into French territory during the Italian War of 1542-1546.

Imperial Victory

Siege of Montreuil

The Siege of Montreuil from July 10 to September 25, 1544, saw French forces successfully defend the town against an English siege. The French victory was crucial in maintaining control over this strategic location and thwarting English advances during the Italian War of 1542-1546.

French Victory

Sieges of Boulogne

The Sieges of Boulogne from July 19, 1544, to September 14, 1546, saw English forces capture and hold the city against French attempts to retake it. The prolonged conflict demonstrated the strategic importance of Boulogne and was a significant episode in the Italian War of 1542-1546, ending with the Treaty of Ardres.

English Victory

Battle of Bonchurch

The Battle of Bonchurch in July 1545 saw English forces repel a French invasion attempt on the Isle of Wight. The English victory secured the island and demonstrated the effectiveness of English coastal defenses during the Italian War of 1542-1546.

English Victory

Battle of Beachy Head

The Battle of Beachy Head in July 1545 was a naval engagement where the English fleet defeated the French. This battle was part of the broader naval conflicts during the Italian War of 1542-1546, showcasing English naval strength and deterring further French incursions.

English Victory

Battle of the Solent

The Battle of the Solent on July 18-19, 1545, was an indecisive naval engagement between the English and French fleets. The battle is notable for the sinking of the English flagship Mary Rose and highlighted the naval rivalry between the two nations during the Italian War of 1542-1546.

Indecisive Victory

Siege of Mirandola

The Siege of Mirandola from July 1551 to March 1552 saw French forces capture the city from the Imperial-Spanish-Papal coalition. The French victory was a key moment in the Italian War of 1551-1559, showcasing their ability to hold strategic positions in northern Italy.

French Victory

Battle of Ponza

The Battle of Ponza on August 5, 1552, was a naval engagement where Franco-Ottoman forces defeated the Genoese fleet. This victory highlighted the strategic alliance between France and the Ottoman Empire and disrupted Genoese and Habsburg naval operations in the Mediterranean.

French Victory

Siege of Metz

The Siege of Metz from October 19, 1552, to January 2, 1553, saw French forces successfully defend the city against an Imperial army. The French victory was a critical moment in the Italian War of 1551-1559, showcasing their defensive capabilities and maintaining control over a strategic location.

French Victory

Siege of Thérouanne

The Siege of Thérouanne from April 11 to June 20, 1553, saw Imperial forces besiege and capture the city from the French. The victory was significant in weakening French defenses in the region and bolstering Imperial control during the Italian War of 1551-1559.

Imperial Victory

Battle of Marciano

The Battle of Marciano on August 2, 1554, was a decisive victory for the Florentine-Spanish forces over the Sienese and French. This battle marked the end of the Republic of Siena and the consolidation of Medici power in Tuscany, significantly impacting the political landscape of Italy.

Imperial Victory

Battle of Renty

The Battle of Renty on August 12, 1554, saw French forces defeat the Imperial army. This victory was significant in maintaining French territorial integrity and demonstrated the resilience of the French military during the later stages of the Italian War of 1551-1559.

French Victory

Siege of Civitella

The Siege of Civitella from April 20 to May 15, 1557, saw Spanish forces successfully defend the city against a French siege. The Spanish victory was crucial in maintaining control over central Italy and thwarting French advances during the Italian War of 1551-1559.

Spanish Victory

Battle of St. Quentin

The Battle of St. Quentin from August 10 to 27, 1557, was a decisive victory for the Hispano-Savoyard-English alliance over the French. The battle significantly weakened French military capabilities and highlighted the effectiveness of the coalition forces during the Italian War of 1551-1559.

Spanish Victory

Siege of Calais

The Siege of Calais from January 1 to 8, 1558, saw French forces capture the city from the English. This victory marked the end of English control in mainland France and was a significant moment in the Italian War of 1551-1559, showcasing the resurgence of French military power.

French Victory

Siege of Thionville

The Siege of Thionville from April 17 to June 23, 1558, saw French forces successfully besiege and capture the city from the Imperial-Spanish army. The French victory was crucial in expanding their control over the region during the Italian War of 1551-1559.

French Victory

Battle of Gravelines

The Battle of Gravelines on July 13, 1558, saw Anglo-Spanish forces decisively defeat the French. The victory was a major setback for France and demonstrated the effectiveness of the Anglo-Spanish alliance, significantly impacting the course of the Italian War of 1551-1559.

Spanish Victory