Battle of Landriano
Italian Wars (end of the first phase) · Landriano, Lombardy (Italy)
Summary
The French army engages Imperial forces blockaded at Landriano. After several hours of combat, the French win victory through a coordinated attack between cavalry and infantry, forcing the surrender of Antonio de Leyva.
Historical context
The battle concluded the first phase of the Italian Wars, in a context of precarious balance between France and the Empire. It preceded the Treaty of Cambrai (1529). Count de Saint-Pol's relief army was intercepted near Pavia by Antonio de Leyva's Imperial forces, after Andrea Doria's defection to Charles V's service.
Tactics
Coordination of combined forces, judicious use of cavalry to envelop the enemy, infantry supported by artillery. The decisive event was interception of the French relief army by Leyva; the Imperial army, freed by Philibert of Chalon, then turned against isolated Florence.
Consequences
Temporary strengthening of French presence in Lombardy, consolidation of positions before diplomatic negotiations. French defeat ended Francis I's ambitions in the Milanese; Charles V obtained imperial consecration at Bologna (1530) and imposed the Treaty of Barcelona (29 June 1529).