The Battle of Marignano So bloody was Francis I’s defeat of the Swiss at the Battle of Marignano in 1515 that it made previous battles resemble ‘children’s games’. Robert J. Knecht traces the French king’s route across the Alps towards war in Italy. Robert Knecht | Published in History Today Volume 66 Issue 1 January 2016 To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5. Start my trial subscription now If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in. Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems. FranceMilitary Popular articles The Cyborg Soldier of the First World War A History of Liberalism