Battle of Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier
Mad War (Breton feudal rebellion) · Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier, Brittany (France)
Summary
The battle pits royal French troops against Breton insurgents and their European allies. French victory ends the Mad War and durably weakens Breton resistance to integration into the kingdom.
Historical context
On 28 July 1488, at Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier, Charles VIII's troops commanded by regent Anne de Beaujeu crushed Duke François II of Brittany's army and his German, Spanish, and Flemish allies, ending the Mad War.
Tactics
Royal artillery and an Italian cavalry charge led by Galeazzo Sanseverino broke the Breton line; enemy cavalry failed to support the rearguard, causing a bloody rout.
Consequences
François II signed the Treaty of Le Verger on 10 August 1488 and died in September; Brittany was compelled into Anne of Brittany's marriage to Charles VIII, durably weakening its independence.