Battles & Campaigns · 1807
Battle of Mileto
Mileto, Calabria, Italy
What happened
The Bourbon king of Sicily wanted to win back the Kingdom of Naples from the French. Prince Louis landed in Calabria and camped at Mileto, though his officers warned him it was a weak position. The French attacked at dawn from the hills, a Bourbon cavalry charge failed, and panic spread through the Bourbon army.
Why it matters
It reversed the earlier Anglo-Bourbon win at Maida and secured French control of Calabria. Napoleon dropped his plan to invade Sicily.
What came next
French rule in Calabria lasted until 1815, when the Bourbon king was restored.
Did you know?
The Bourbon army was still organised on feudal lines, which did not suit a pitched battle.
Timeline
- 9 Mar 1806French victory at Campo Tenese.
- 4 Jul 1806British victory at Maida.
- 28 May 1807Battle of Mileto.
- 1815Ferdinand IV restored to Naples.