Gaston de Foix

MedievalGeneralFrance1489 — 1512

French military commander known as the Thunderbolt of Italy.

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Quick Facts

Born

1489

Died

1512

Country

France

Era

Medieval

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)82

Political (20%)32

Influence (20%)62

Legacy (20%)50

Leadership (15%)34

Strategy (15%)66

Total Score52.7

Gaston de Foix — Complete Timeline

1511 AD

Appointed Commander of the French Army in ItalyPolitical Action◆ Major

Gaston de Foix was appointed commander of French forces in Italy at age 22 by King Louis XII. He was given the task of defending French gains in the War of the League of Cambrai. His appointment reflected his noble lineage and military reputation.

AppointmentItalian WarsCommand

Impact: regional

1512 AD

Battle of RavennaWar

Gaston de Foix led the French army to a decisive victory over the Holy League at Ravenna. He used innovative artillery tactics to break the Spanish infantry. The battle was one of the bloodiest of the Italian Wars, with over 10,000 casualties.

BattleItalian WarsVictory

Impact: regional

Killed in Action at RavennaWar◆ Major

During the Battle of Ravenna, Gaston de Foix was killed while leading a cavalry charge against Spanish forces. His death at age 23 deprived France of its most talented young commander. The victory at Ravenna was thus rendered strategically hollow.

DeathBattleItalian Wars

Impact: regionaltragic