Siege of Gaeta 1735 • Classical Era
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Siege of Gaeta

Classical Era French victory
Historical significance:

Summary

The siege of Gaeta is one of the last major military operations of the War of the Polish Succession. The fortress, held by the Austrians, is besieged by Franco-Spanish forces under Marshal de Villars. After long resistance and several sortie attempts, the garrison finally capitulates in August 1735.

Historical context

Gaeta is an essential strategic position in the Kingdom of Naples, last Austrian bastion in Italy. Its capture allows consolidation of French and Spanish presence in the south of the peninsula and completion of the Italian campaign.

Tactics

Prolonged siege with constant trenches and bombardments, use of a fleet to block the sea, coordinated infantry and artillery attacks to weaken defenses, enemy sorties repulsed.

Consequences

The fall of Gaeta marks the end of major military operations in Italy for this war. It prepares signing of the Treaty of Vienna in 1738 confirming the territorial distribution.

Location

Place : Gaeta, Kingdom of Naples (Italy)
Coordinates : 41.2189°N, 13.5713°E

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