Battle of Pavía
1525 · Mirabello park outside Pavía (present-day Lombardy, Italy) · World · Modern
The French army suffered a crushing defeat; King Francis I of France was captured and taken to Madrid.
Belligerents
Holy Roman Empire and Spain
- Commanders
- Lannoy, Marquis of Pescara, Charles, Duke of Bourbon
- Strength
- About 23,000
Kingdom of France
- Commanders
- Francis I
- Strength
- About 24,000 to 26,000
Background
During the Italian Wars, France fought Charles V for control of the Duchy of Milan. In autumn 1524 Francis I personally led a great army into Italy and laid siege to Pavía, held by imperial troops.
Course of the battle
- Night raid on the parkBefore dawn on February 24, the imperial army broke through the wall and burst into the Mirabello park, where the French camp lay.
- Knights' chargeFrancis led a charge of his heavy cavalry, but in doing so blocked the line of fire of his own artillery.
- Arquebuses deliver the decisive blowSpanish arquebusiers shot down French knights among the trees, while the Pavía garrison sallied out to strike from the other side in a pincer attack.
- French king capturedThe French army collapsed along the whole line; Francis's horse was brought down and he was captured.
Outcome at a glance
| Date | 1525 |
|---|---|
| Place | Mirabello park outside Pavia (today Lombardy, Italy) |
| Result | The French army suffered a crushing defeat; King Francis I of France was captured and taken to Madrid. |
| Winner | Holy Roman Empire and Spain |
| Casualties | Several thousand French soldiers were killed, and large numbers of high nobles were killed or captured; imperial losses were lighter. Figures vary among sources. |
| Territorial change | In the Treaty of Madrid of 1526 the French king was forced to renounce his claims to Italy and Burgundy; once released, he immediately declared the treaty void, and the war continued. |
Impact
Pavía is often seen as the landmark battle in which infantry with firearms overcame medieval heavy cavalry, and it established Charles V's dominance in Italy.
See the world in 1525 on the map →