EPISODE · Jun 22, 2026 · 6 MIN
The Spanish Tercio at the Battle of Cerignola 1503
from The Story of Spain: Empire, Gold, and Global Power — Fexingo History · host Fexingo
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the 1503 Battle of Cerignola, where the Spanish Tercio under Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba—the Gran Capitán—first proved the power of pike and shot against French heavy cavalry. We walk through the innovative defensive earthworks and arquebus volleys that shattered the myth of medieval chivalry, and trace how this victory laid the foundation for Spain's century of military dominance. Along the way, we meet the Swiss mercenaries who fought for France, the Neapolitan nobles who switched sides, and the logistical challenges of campaigning in southern Italy. The conversation also touches on the political backdrop of the Italian Wars, the rivalry with France over Naples, and the role of the Spanish Road in moving troops and treasure. A quick listener-support segment keeps the show ad-free. #Cerignola1503 #GranCapitán #SpanishTercio #GonzaloFernándezdeCórdoba #ItalianWars #PikeAndShot #Arquebus #BattleOfCerignola #Naples #SpainMilitaryHistory #EarlyModernWarfare #FexingoHistory #History #Europe #Spain #Podcast #Pavia #Rocroi Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
What this episode covers
In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore the 1503 Battle of Cerignola, where the Spanish Tercio under Gonzalo Fernández de Córdoba—the Gran Capitán—first proved the power of pike and shot against French heavy cavalry. We walk through the innovative defensive earthworks and arquebus volleys that shattered the myth of medieval chivalry, and trace how this victory laid the foundation for Spain's century of military dominance. Along the way, we meet the Swiss mercenaries who fought for France, the Neapolitan nobles who switched sides, and the logistical challenges of campaigning in southern Italy. The conversation also touches on the political backdrop of the Italian Wars, the rivalry with France over Naples, and the role of the Spanish Road in moving troops and treasure. A quick listener-support segment keeps the show ad-free. #Cerignola1503 #GranCapitán #SpanishTercio #GonzaloFernándezdeCórdoba #ItalianWars #PikeAndShot #Arquebus #BattleOfCerignola #Naples #SpainMilitaryHistory #EarlyModernWarfare #FexingoHistory #History #Europe #Spain #Podcast #Pavia #Rocroi Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo
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The Spanish Tercio at the Battle of Cerignola 1503
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