Battle of Novara

On 6 July 1495, as he retreats from Naples toward France, Charles VIII is intercepted at Fornovo by the Italian League. Despite difficult terrain and a disorganized engagement, the French army manages to break the encirclement. Although losses are heavy on both sides, the French maintain cohesion and continue their march, allowing them to reach France without military disaster.

The Battle of Marignano, fought on 13 and 14 September 1515, pits the army of Francis I, recently crowned King of France, against the formidable Swiss foot soldiers supporting Duke Maximilian Sforza of Milan. After crossing the Alps by a bold maneuver via the Col de Larche, the French army descends rapidly into Lombardy. The Swiss, renowned for their discipline and fighting spirit, attack the French near Marignano at dusk. The first day of combat is of extreme intensity: the Swiss partially break the French dispositions. However, the arrival during the night of the Venetian army, allied with France and commanded by Bartolomeo d'Alviano, allows the French lines to be reinforced. The next day, French forces counterattack. Thanks to the combination of heavy cavalry, artillery, and infantry, Swiss troops are finally repulsed, defeated, and forced to withdraw, ending their control of the Duchy of Milan.

The French army is surprised and encircled by Imperial forces at Pavia. Despite heroic resistance, Francis I is captured, marking a major defeat for France and a turning point in the Italian Wars.