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.
Strategically located near the Alpine passes, Piedmont became a crucial corridor during the Italian Wars, especially for French armies entering Italy.
The region’s importance stemmed from geography:
As a result, Piedmont became a constant battlefield for roaming armies and shifting alliances.
During this period, larger European monarchies were becoming increasingly centralized and powerful:
Compared to these emerging powers, many Italian states — including Savoy, Genoa, Venice, and the Papal States — struggled to keep pace politically and militarily.
Reform efforts had begun earlier under Amedeo VIII, who:
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.
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:
He even failed to attend the coronations of Francis I of France and Charles V, missing crucial opportunities for diplomacy.
Savoy’s problems mounted quickly:
When the Estates General met in 1517 and 1520, they refused financial support, leaving Charles unable to maintain a strong army.
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:
But the alliance also brought problems:
Savoy briefly returned to the French camp during the League of Cognac, before once again siding with Charles V.
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:
By the Peace of Crépy (1544):
A state that had expanded steadily for over four centuries — from Umberto Biancamano to Amedeo VIII — had nearly disappeared in less than a century.
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.
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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