Odet of Foix, Viscount of Lautrec facts for kids
Odet de Foix, Vicomte de Lautrec (born 1485 – died August 15, 1528) was a famous French military leader. He was known as a Marshal of France. Odet led a big army to try and take over Naples. Sadly, he died from a serious illness called the bubonic plague in 1528.
About Odet de Foix
Odet was the son of Jean de Foix-Lautrec and Jeanne d'Aydie. He had two brothers, Lescun and Asparros. All three brothers served the French king, Francis I of France, as army captains. Their sister, Françoise de Foix, was very close to the king. Her influence helped her brothers get important jobs.
In 1516, Odet became a Marshal of France. He was made the governor of the Duchy of Milan in Italy. But his strict rule made the French control there very unpopular. Odet was also with King Francis I at the famous Field of the Cloth of Gold. This was a grand meeting between the French and English kings.
Military Campaigns
Odet arrived to take over the city of Brescia again. On May 26, 1521, the Spanish and German soldiers defending the city gave up. This happened because the soldiers inside the city were not getting along. Brescia was then given to a Venetian leader named Andrea Gritti.
In 1521, Odet successfully defended Milan against the Spanish army. But in 1522, he faced a big problem. His Swiss soldiers had not been paid. Under pressure from them, Odet attacked the Spanish-Imperial army. His army was completely defeated at the Battle of Bicocca. Because of this loss, France lost control of Milan.
Odet then went back to France. He helped with an important exchange. King Francis I's sons were held captive after their father lost the Battle of Pavia. Odet helped arrange their safe return.
Later Life and Death
After his first wife passed away, Odet married Jeanne de Croy. In 1527, he was given command of an army again. His mission was to conquer the Kingdom of Naples. But bad luck struck the French army.
A powerful admiral named Andrea Doria switched sides. Then, a terrible sickness, either the plague or cholera, spread through the French camp. Many soldiers became ill. Odet himself caught the disease. He died on August 17, 1528.
Family Life
Odet married Charlotte d'Albret (1495–1527) in 1520. They had four children together:
- Gaston (1522–1528)
- Henry (1523–1540)
- Claude (died 1549)
- Francis (died 1528)
