Battles & Campaigns · 1509
Battle of Agnadello
Agnadello, Lombardy, Italy
What happened
Alviano's Venetian troops stood on a ridge near Agnadello. The first French attack struggled in mud after heavy rain, but then Louis arrived with the rest of his army and surrounded Alviano on three sides. Alviano's cavalry charge failed, he was captured, and his force collapsed.
Why it matters
It was a turning point in the Italian Wars. Machiavelli wrote that Venice lost in one day what had taken it 800 years to win.
What came next
Louis occupied the rest of Lombardy, while the other Venetian army retreated.
Did you know?
The battle is also known as the Battle of Vailà.
Timeline
- 14 May 1509Battle of Agnadello.
- 1509Louis XII occupies the rest of Lombardy.
- 13–14 Sep 1515Battle of Marignano.