Battle of Pavia

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.

French troops attempt to attack Imperial fortified positions on the Bicocca hill. The battle turns into a French rout, notably due to the power of enemy artillery and arquebusiers.

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.