Battle of Scapezzano facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Scapezzano
Part of the Neapolitan War
Date 1 May 1815 Location West of Senigallia, present-day Italy 43°43′13″N 13°10′12″E / 43.7204°N 13.170006°E / 43.7204; 13.170006 Result Austrian victory
Belligerents
Austrian Empire	Kingdom of Naples
Commanders and leaders
Adam Albert von Neipperg	Michele Carrascosa
Strength
15,300	8,256 men 240 horses 10 guns
Casualties and losses
Light	Light

The Battle of Scapezzano was a quick fight during the Neapolitan War. It happened on May 1, 1815. The battle was between soldiers from the Austrian Empire and the Napoleonic Kingdom of Naples.

The Austrian army was led by Adam Albert von Neipperg. The Neapolitan soldiers were commanded by Michele Carrascosa. This battle was a small part of a bigger war.

What Led to the Battle?

By May 1815, the Neapolitan army was losing the war. Their leader, Joachim Murat, had to retreat to Ancona. Two Austrian armies were chasing him. One army, led by Neipperg, followed Murat along the coast. This group had about 15,300 soldiers.

The other Austrian army, led by Bianchi, took a different path. They marched through the middle of Italy. Their goal was to block Murat's escape route back to Naples. Bianchi's army had about 12,000 soldiers.

Murat's Plan

Murat had over 30,000 soldiers in Ancona. He saw a chance to win. He hoped to attack and defeat one Austrian army before they could join forces. If he could do this, he might turn the war around.

Murat decided to send his main army against Bianchi. He picked an area near Tolentino for this big fight. Tolentino was west of Ancona.

Holding Back Neipperg

To make his plan work, Murat needed to keep Neipperg busy. So, he sent a group of soldiers under Carrascosa north. Their job was to stop Neipperg along the coast. They had to hold him off until Murat could defeat Bianchi.

The Skirmish at Scapezzano

Carrascosa's soldiers moved carefully. There were some small fights and clever moves. But the Neapolitan soldiers were in danger of being surrounded. To avoid this, they pulled back in an organized way.

This retreat meant Neipperg's army was free to move. They could now threaten Murat's main army. Murat was still fighting Bianchi at the Battle of Tolentino.

What Happened Next?

The Battle of Tolentino was a major fight. The Austrians won a big victory there. This defeat for Murat's army effectively ended the Neapolitan War.

The war officially finished on May 20, 1815. This was when the Treaty of Casalanza was signed.