The Battle of Pavia (1525)

The Battle of Pavia, fought in 1525 during the Italian Wars, was a significant conflict between the French army, led by King Francis I, and the Spanish forces under the Duke of Bourbon, allied with the Holy Roman Empire. The battle took place near the city of Pavia in northern Italy. Spanish artillery and infantry tactics outmatched the French cavalry, resulting in a decisive Spanish victory. This defeat led to the capture of Francis I, shifting the balance of power in Europe and strengthening Habsburg dominance, while also influencing future diplomatic relations and military strategies in the region.