BATTLE // February 4, 1797
Battle of Faenza
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Source · Wikipedia
Significance
The Battle of Faenza, fought in early February 1797, was part of the French Republican campaign to neutralize the Papal States during the closing phase of the War of the First Coalition. A French force of 9,000 veterans under Claude Victor-Perrin engaged roughly 7,000 Papal troops commanded by Michelangelo Colli near the Senio River, in territory between Bologna and Faenza. The French quickly overran the Papal army, inflicting disproportionate casualties of around 1,200 on the defender. The engagement was consistent with the broader French pressure that would compel the Papal States toward armistice, stripping the coalition of a central Italian belligerent and extending French control deeper into the peninsula.
Tactics
The overview describes the French troops as veterans who quickly overran the Papal army and inflicted disproportionate casualties, and notes the action occurred near the Senio River between Castel Bolognese and Faenza, but does not detail specific maneuvers, formations, or tactical dispositions. Accordingly, no tactical narrative can be constructed from the available source.
Forces & casualties
Troop strength
- French Republic9,000medium
- Papal States7,000medium
French Republic fielded a 1.3 : 1 numerical advantage
Casualties
- Papal States1,200medium17% loss rate
Commanders (3)
French Republic
Achille Fontanellidivisional general
Claude Victor-PerrinMarshal of the Empire
Papal States
Michelangelo Collilieutenant general
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