A decisive Venetian victory in 1508 that halted the Habsburg invasion of Cadore and directly triggered formation of the League of Cambrai.
Key Facts
- Date
- 2 March 1508
- Venetian commander
- Bartolomeo d'Alviano
- Habsburg commander
- Sixt von Trautson
- Outcome
- Decisive Venetian victory
- Conflict phase
- Opening phase of the War of the League of Cambrai
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Holy Roman Empire, under Habsburg leadership, launched an invasion of the Venetian-controlled region of Cadore during the early stages of the Italian Wars. Venetian and Imperial territorial rivalries in northern Italy prompted military confrontation near Pieve di Cadore in early 1508.
On 2 March 1508, Venetian forces commanded by Bartolomeo d'Alviano engaged the Imperial army led by Sixt von Trautson near Pieve di Cadore. The battle, also called the battle of Rio Secco or Rusecco, ended in a clear Venetian victory, repelling the Habsburg advance into Cadore.
The Venetian victory allowed Venice to recover lost strongholds and launch counter-incursions into Habsburg-held Friuli and the Julian March, even besieging Trieste and advancing into Istria. The resulting shift in regional power alarmed European states and directly prompted the formation of the League of Cambrai against Venice.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Bartolomeo d'Alviano.
Side B
1 belligerent
Sixt von Trautson.