The Peace of Cateau-Cambrésis, concluded in 1559, consisted of two treaties aimed at settling disputes stemming from the Italian Wars, a series of conflicts waged primarily between France and Spain for dominance in Italy from the late 15th to the mid-16th centuries. The signing occurred in Cateau-Cambrésis, a small town in northern France, and was critical in redefining the political landscape of Italy and Europe at large. The treaties concluded years of warfare, political intrigue, and shifting alliances, which not only devastated Italy but also involved many other European states.

The primary signatories included French King Henry II and Spanish King Philip II. The terms agreed upon represented significant territorial shifts; France had to relinquish claims on various parts of Italy, including Corsica and certain claims to the Kingdom of Naples. Spain, having solidified its hold on Italy, emerged as the predominant power in the region. The treaties also included provisions intended to stabilize relations between the powers, limiting the prospects for immediate future conflicts.

The Italian Wars had been characterized by a complex web of alliances and hostilities. The conclusion of these treaties marked a significant shift in European politics, as Spain became the leading influence in Italy and effectively ended the aspirations of France to expand its territory in the region. This reality would persist until the emergence of new rivalries and alliances in the later 16th century, significantly affecting the European balance of power.