Italian War: Spanish Conquest of Naples and Battles of 1503

Background. Following the Treaty of Granada in 1500, Spain and France agreed to partition the Kingdom of Naples. Tensions escalated in late 1502, leading to military confrontations in 1503. Spanish forces, entrenched at Barletta, faced French armies commanded by the Duke of Nemours and Jacques de la Palice.

Challenge of Barletta. In February 1503, a dispute over the valor of Italian soldiers led to a mounted tourney. Thirteen Italian knights, including Ettore Fieramosca, defeated thirteen French knights. The Italians returned triumphantly to Barletta with their defeated opponents, boosting morale for the Spanish-allied forces.

Battle of Ruvo. On 23 February 1503, Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba launched an offensive against the city of Ruvo, defended by Jacques de la Palice. Spanish forces breached the defenses within four hours, leading to a successful assault. The Spanish army subsequently retreated to Barletta while the French attempted to reinforce Ruvo.

Battle of Cerignola. On 28 April 1503, Spanish forces under Córdoba defeated the French army of the Duke of Nemours outside Cerignola. The Spanish used fortified heights and arquebus fire to repel French cavalry charges. Nemours was killed, and the battle is considered a turning point for infantry dominance.