One Last Desperate Infantry Charge
There were moments in history when existence of a centuries-old republic could depend on the success of a single infantry charge. The Battle of Marciano (1554) and the fate of the Republic of Siena.
On 2 August 1554 an epic battle took place near Marciano della Chiana near Arezzo. Soldiers from all over Europe were deployed to picturesque Tuscany region in Italy to participate in this battle. It was a battle between two old rival Italian city-states, Siena and Florence, both aided by powerful allies. For Siena the stakes couldn’t have been higher. The centuries-old liberty and the mere existence of the republic was threatened as the large Florentine army, reinforced by Spanish and Imperial soldiers, descended on their territory. The small republic became unwillingly involved in a struggle of major powers in Italian Wars. As the hostile army besieged Siena, the Sienese were left with no choice but to face this enemy in a decisive open battle, gambling everything. On their side were their French allies and the fervor of their own Sienese infantry, inspired by memories of old victories that their republic had achieved against all odds in the past. They achieved a great victory against the Florentines at the Battle of Montaperti all those centuries ago in 1260. Could they do it one more time?
But the battle couldn’t have started worse for the Sienese. The Florentine army had an advantageous position and superior cavalry provided by their Spanish and Imperial allies. The French-Sienese cavalry was soon routed while the Florentine artillery from the hill on the other side was mercilessly bombarding the Sienese positions.
Piero Strozzi, who commanded the Sienese troops in this battle, sensed that there was only one thing that could turn the tide of the battle. He ordered a desperate all-out infantry assault, hoping to break the enemy army before their cavalry performs a flanking attack!
The Sienese infantrymen on the left wing of the army were particularly well motivated. They knew that this battle was their last chance. They advanced in a disciplined formation together with elite German and Grison mercenaries, forming a moving forest of pikes, advancing over the Scannagallo ditch to fight the enemy infantry on the other side. They were aware there was no way back anymore. Win and their republic survives to fight another day. Fail and it’s all over…
Piero Strozzi looking down the Scannagallo creek, observing the spectacle of violence bellow. He joined the fighting himself with his mounted retinue to rally his men.
Gruesome fighting erupted. Gunshots, clashes of melee weapons and screams of agony were heard. Men shouting in German, Spanish, French and various dialects of Italian in this epic battle as the course of history was being decided…