Britannica Sources used in this answer

What happened at the Battle of Ravenna in 1512?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Medallion depicting Pope Julius II — Julius II Julius II, contemporary medallion; in the coin collection of the Vatican Library.

The Battle of Ravenna, fought on April 11, 1512, was a significant engagement during the Italian Wars between French forces and a Holy League coalition that included the Papal States.12

Under the command of the young Gaston de Foix, the French army provoked the Holy League into battle to relieve the city of Ravenna. The conflict began with an intense artillery duel before escalating into heavy cavalry and infantry combat. Although the French achieved a decisive tactical victory—inflicting roughly 9,000 casualties on the Holy League compared to 4,500 of their own—the triumph was marred by the death of de Foix in a skirmish following the battle.1

While Louis XII of France won the battle, the strategic outcome favored Pope Julius II. The arrival of Swiss reinforcements shortly thereafter forced the French to abandon their positions in northern Italy, ultimately securing the Papal States and allowing Julius II to continue his efforts to consolidate papal power.2