Battle of Cerignola (1503)

Timeline

1. 1503Barletta · PugliaIn 1502 the French besieged the Spanish army in Barletta. After six thousand Spanish reinforcements arrived by sea in April 1503, Córdoba decided to switch from defense to offense, leading his men out of Barletta inland and occupying high ground near Cerignola to construct defensive positions.
2. 1503Cerignola · PugliaThe French commander Louis d'Armagnac (Duke of Nemours) led roughly nine thousand men in an attack, charging the Spanish trenches and breastworks with heavy cavalry and Swiss pikemen without adequate reconnaissance. Volley fire from arquebuses broke the French charge; the Duke of Nemours was shot and killed, and French casualties were heavy.
3. 1503Cerignola · PugliaAfter repelling the French assault, the Spanish infantry launched a counterattack; the Swiss mercenaries' line collapsed, and the French lost large amounts of artillery and baggage while retreating south. After this battle the French were forced to abandon the city of Naples, paving the way for the Spanish capture of Naples on 13 May.