Battle of Ruvo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Ruvo
Part of the Third Italian War
Date 23 February 1503 Location Ruvo (present-day Italy) Result Spanish victory
Belligerents
France	Spain
Commanders and leaders
Jacques de la Palice	Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba Diego de Mendoza
Strength
300 lances 300 foot-soldiers	400 foot-soldiers 600 horsemen 1,300 soldiers

The Battle of Ruvo was an important fight that happened on February 23, 1503. It was part of a bigger conflict called the Third Italian War. This battle took place in the city of Ruvo, which is in modern-day Italy. The battle was fought between the armies of Spain and France. In the end, the Spanish army won.

Why the Battle of Ruvo Happened

The Treaty of Granada and Its Breakdown

Before this battle, the kings of Spain and France made a deal. On November 11, 1500, King Ferdinand of Spain and King Louis XII of France signed the Treaty of Granada. They agreed to split up the Kingdom of Naples between them.

However, this agreement did not last long. Both countries wanted more control. Soon, Spain and France started fighting again over the Kingdom of Naples. This led to a series of conflicts known as the Third Italian War. The Battle of Ruvo was one of the key moments in this war.

The Battle of Ruvo

Spanish Strategy and Attack

In late 1502 and early 1503, the Spanish army was staying in a strong camp. This camp was located at Barletta, near the Ofanto river and the Adriatic sea. The Spanish commander was Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba.

Gonzalo heard that the French commander, Louis d'Armagnac, Duke of Nemours, had left the area. This was his chance to attack. Gonzalo decided to launch a surprise attack on the city of Ruvo. The city was defended by the French army, led by Jacques de la Palice. Gonzalo planned a quick, sudden attack, much like a guerrilla raid.

Fighting in Ruvo

Gonzalo de Córdoba's army attacked Ruvo early in the morning. They started by firing cannons at the city walls. The French soldiers inside Ruvo fought back bravely. They put up a strong defense against the Spanish attack.

Despite the strong resistance, the Spanish kept pushing. After about four hours, they managed to create a large opening in the city's defenses. This opening, called a breach, allowed the Spanish soldiers to rush inside.

The fighting then moved into the city's streets and houses. Soldiers fought with swords for seven long hours. It was a very intense battle. During the fight, the French commander, Jacques de la Palice, was wounded. He was then captured by the Spanish forces.

Aftermath of the Battle

After their victory, the Spanish army decided to return to their camp at Barletta. Meanwhile, Louis d'Armagnac tried to come back to Ruvo to help his French army.

But when he arrived, it was too late. He saw the Spanish flag already flying high on the city walls. He realized that the battle was over and the Spanish had won. There was no point in continuing to advance, so he stopped his forces. The Battle of Ruvo was a clear Spanish victory.

See also

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• In Spanish: Batalla de Ruvo para niños