Swiss Pikemen Crush the French at Novara
June 6, 1513
A Swiss mercenary army surprised the French at dawn near Novara and butchered them with eighteen-foot pikes before a single cannon could be aimed. The French were flung out of Milan. Swiss infantry, briefly, seemed invincible, and Europe's princes lined up to hire them. The battle was won in less than an hour, proving that disciplined infantry could still overcome artillery through speed and shock.
In context
Also in 1513 (6 other events on record)
- Balboa Sights the Pacific · North America · Exploration
- Machiavelli Drafts The Prince · Europe · Culture
- Flodden Field Kills a Scottish King · Europe · War
- Ponce de Leon Lands in Florida · North America · Exploration
- Leo X Becomes Pope · Europe · Religion
- Urbino Humanist Court · Europe · Culture
Before and after in Europe
Before and after in War
Era
Renaissance (1501–1650), one of 715 events from that era on Saeculum.