Battles & Campaigns · 1598
Peace of Vervins
Vervins, Aisne, France
What happened
Envoys of King Henry IV of France and King Philip II of Spain made the peace, with papal legates of Pope Clement VIII. Spain had fought France while France was split by its Wars of Religion. In the small town of Vervins, Philip recognised Henry, a former Protestant, as king of France. Spanish forces left French land, and Calais, taken by Spain in 1596, was returned.
Why it matters
It ended Spanish support for the Catholic League and helped bring the French Wars of Religion to a close. Some historians see it as a sign of Spain's long decline and France's rise.
What came next
Philip II died that September, and his heir Philip III kept the terms. The Duke of Savoy, who had stayed out, was beaten by Henry IV in 1599 and signed his own treaty in 1601.
Timeline
- 1596Spain captures Calais.
- 2 May 1598Peace signed at Vervins.
- 13 September 1598Philip II dies.
- 1601The Duke of Savoy signs the Treaty of Lyon with Henry IV.