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Louis XII's Conquest of Milan

Type Event Region Europe Time 1499

In 1499 Louis XII invaded Lombardy on the pretext of Valois dynastic claims to Milan, overthrowing his father-in-law Ludovico Sforza and capturing Mi…

Timeline

  1. 1498–1499Paris · FranceAfter succeeding to the throne, Louis XII asserted rights to Milan and Naples and reached partition agreements with Spain, Venice and others, securing diplomatic space and military routes for a cross-border expedition.
  2. 1499Lombardy plain · LombardyFrench forces under commanders such as Gian Giacomo Trivulzio entered Italy and quickly seized Lombardy's strongholds; Ludovico Sforza, with the situation turning against him, abandoned the city and fled north seeking Swiss reinforcements.
  3. 1499Milan · LombardyIn October 1499 French troops entered Milan, temporarily ending Sforza rule; France established direct military control in Lombardy and began advancing plans for the conquest of Naples to the south.

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