Italian Wars

The Italian Wars (1494–1559) were a series of conflicts primarily involving major European powers vying for control over the Italian Peninsula. Major players included France, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and various Italian city-states. These wars stemmed from Italy's strategic and economic importance, with neighboring countries wanting to dominate its wealthy cities. The conflicts saw shifting alliances, battles, and treaties, ultimately ending with Spain's dominance over Italy. The wars significantly influenced European politics, leading to the decline of Italian city-states' independence and contributing to the rise of Spain and France as major European powers.