At the Battle of Pavia, which unfolded near the city of Pavia in Lombardy, a coalition led by the Spanish and Austrian troops faced off against a well-prepared French army commanded by King Francis I. The battle was a critical engagement during the Italian Wars, which saw various European powers vying for influence over the Italian peninsula. In the lead-up to the battle, the French had sought to expand their territory, while the Spanish and Austrians aimed to thwart this expansion, leading to a fierce confrontation. On the morning of the battle, the Spanish forces employed effective tactics and took advantage of the terrain, launching coordinated assaults which disorganized the French ranks.As the battle progressed, a mismanagement of cavalry by the French played a pivotal role in their downfall. They faced logistical challenges and external pressures, particularly from the initiatives of the Spanish artillery units. The outcome of the battle was catastrophic for the French; not only did they lose a significant number of soldiers, but they also lost their king, who was captured and later taken prisoner. This defeat dealt a severe blow to French ambitions in Italy and favored the Habsburg dynasty, which sought to dominate the region.

The aftermath saw the Treaty of Madrid being signed in 1526, which further solidified the Habsburg’s influence in Europe. The loss for France ultimately led to internal strife and adjustments in their military strategies. Pavia's legacy confirmed the importance of military alliances, strategic planning, and the evolving nature of warfare during this turbulent period of European history.