203 - Piedmont and the Savoy in the early 1500's - How to lose a duchy

Episode Overview

Continuing our tour of the Italian peninsula in the early 1500s, we move north from the Kingdom of Naples, through the Papal States and Tuscany, across the Apennines, past Genoa, and into what is today the region of Piedmont.

In this episode we explore the key political players in the region — the Marquisate of Saluzzo, the Marquisate of Monferrato, and above all the Duchy of Savoy.

Once an expanding Alpine power controlling vital mountain passes, Savoy would find itself caught between the ambitions of France and the Habsburg Empire during the Italian Wars. The result was a dramatic collapse that nearly erased the duchy entirely — setting the stage for the unexpected rise of a remarkable new duke.

Piedmont: Geography and Historical Context

1. Piedmont today is one of Italy’s 20 regions and is divided into several provinces.
2. In the early 1500s, however, its territories were divided among multiple states, including:
3. The Marquisate of Saluzzo
4. The Marquisate of Monferrato
5. The Duchy of Savoy
6. Some areas, such as Novara, actually belonged to the Duchy of Milan at the time.

Strategically located near the Alpine passes, Piedmont became a crucial corridor during the Italian Wars, especially for French armies entering Italy.

The Marquisate of Saluzzo

1. Saluzzo maintained strong ties with France.
2. Its influence declined after the death of Marquis Michele Antonio, who was killed fighting for the French in southern Italy.
3. By 1548, the territory would be absorbed by France.
4. When the French were later expelled in 1601, Saluzzo became part of the Duchy of Savoy.

Piedmont in the Italian Wars

The region’s importance stemmed from geography:

1. France needed control of Alpine routes to access Italy.
2. Spain and the Holy Roman Empire sought to block those routes.
3. Control of Piedmont also offered Charles V a communications corridor between Spain and his northern European territories.

As a result, Piedmont became a constant battlefield for roaming armies and shifting alliances.

The Rise of Powerful European States

During this period, larger European monarchies were becoming increasingly centralized and powerful:

1. Expanding bureaucracies and legal systems strengthened state control.
2. Universities produced growing administrative classes.
3. The gradual separation of church and state helped consolidate royal authority.

Compared to these emerging powers, many Italian states — including Savoy, Genoa, Venice, and the Papal States — struggled to keep pace politically and militarily.

Early Attempts at Reform in Savoy

Reform efforts had begun earlier under Amedeo VIII, who:

1. Elevated Savoy from a county to a duchy.
2. Later abdicated to become Antipope Felix V.

However, after his abdication in 1440, a series of weaker rulers failed to continue his reforms.

A later attempt at modernization came under Philip II “the Fair”, assisted by his politically capable half-brother René “the Great Bastard.”

René sought administrative reform and arranged a politically significant marriage linking Savoy to the Habsburg dynasty, but his efforts ultimately stalled.

Charles II of Savoy: A Weak Ruler

The long reign of Charles II (1504–1553) marked a turning point for the duchy — unfortunately for the worse.

Although remembered as “Charles the Good,” the nickname reflected mildness rather than competence.

His rule was characterized by:

1. Indecisiveness
2. Poor diplomacy
3. Inability to balance relations between France and the Empire

He even failed to attend the coronations of Francis I of France and Charles V, missing crucial opportunities for diplomacy.

Growing Weakness

Savoy’s problems mounted quickly:

1. In 1508, Charles paid off invading Swiss troops rather than confronting them.
2. The city of Fribourg broke away from Savoyard influence.
3. The duchy’s economy was weak and dependent on taxation and donations.

When the Estates General met in 1517 and 1520, they refused financial support, leaving Charles unable to maintain a strong army.

Savoy Between France and the Empire

Despite claiming neutrality, Savoy increasingly leaned toward Charles V and the Habsburg Empire, influenced in part by the politically capable Duchess Beatrice of Portugal, sister of the empress.

This alignment initially paid off:

1. After the Battle of Pavia (1525), Savoy received territories in France.

But the alliance also brought problems:

1. Imperial troops flooded the duchy.
2. In 1526, a rebellion in Turin killed around 200 Spanish soldiers.

Savoy briefly returned to the French camp during the League of Cognac, before once again siding with Charles V.

The French Invasion of 1536

The dangers of Savoy’s shifting loyalties became clear when Francis I launched another campaign to seize Milan in 1536.

Viewing Savoy as hostile, the French invaded:

1. Savoyard forces offered little resistance.
2. Turin was captured.
3. Duke Charles fled to Vercelli.

The Collapse of Savoy

By the Peace of Crépy (1544):

1. Savoy had lost most of its territory.
2. Lands north of the Alps were gone.
3. Much of Piedmont, including Turin, was occupied.

A state that had expanded steadily for over four centuries — from Umberto Biancamano to Amedeo VIII — had nearly disappeared in less than a century.

Enter Emanuele Filiberto

What remained of Savoy passed to Emanuele Filiberto, the 25-year-old son of Charles II.

If the dynasty was to survive, he would have to reverse decades of decline.

History suggests he might succeed.

In Turin’s Piazza San Carlo, an equestrian statue commemorates his victory over the French at the Battle of St. Quentin — a reminder that Savoy’s story was far from over.

Looking Ahead

With Savoy nearly destroyed and the balance of power in northern Italy shifting once again, the stage is set for the rise of Emanuele Filiberto — a ruler determined to reclaim his dynasty’s lost fortunes.

And as we will see, his efforts would eventually help place the House of Savoy on the long road toward becoming the kings of Italy.

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