Siege of Metz (1552)

For the same town's sieges, see Siege of Metz.
Siege of Metz
Part of the Habsburg-Valois War

Map of Metz during the siege
Date19 October 1552 - 2 January 1553
Location
Metz, France
Result French victory
Belligerents
 Holy Roman Empire  Kingdom of France
Commanders and leaders
Holy Roman Empire Charles V of Habsburg Kingdom of France Francis, Duke of Guise
Strength
6,000[1][3]
Casualties and losses
20,000[1]-30,000[3] Unknown

The siege of Metz during the Italian War of 1551–59 lasted from 19 October 1552[4] to 2 January 1553.[5]

The so-called Augsburg Interim came to an end when Protestant princes of the Schmalkaldic League approached Henry II of France and concluded the Treaty of Chambord, giving the free cities of Toul, Verdun, and Metz (the 'Three Bishoprics') to the Kingdom of France. The Holy Roman Emperor Charles V[2] laid siege to the French garrison commanded by Francis, Duke of Guise.[1] Although cannonades destroyed large parts of the fortifications (see fr:Remparts médiévaux de Metz), the Imperial army was unable to take the city. Stricken by typhus, dysentery, and scurvy,[1] Charles' army was forced to abandon the siege along with the sick and wounded. Metz remained a French protectorate (fr:République messine) until its annexation was formalized in 1648 by the Treaty of Westphalia.[6]

  1. ^ a b c d e Gabriel 2013, p. 59.
  2. ^ a b Parker 1976, p. 207.
  3. ^ a b c d René Bour, Histoire illustrée de Metz, Paul Even, Metz, 1950 (p.125-129).
  4. ^ Victor Duruy, A Short History of France (J. M. Dent & sons, Ltd. 1918) p.501
  5. ^ Robert Knecht, The Valois Kings of France 1328-1589 (Bloomsbury Academic, 2007) p.149 ("By the time Charles V lifted the siege, on 2 January 1553, his army had dwindled to a third of its original size.")
  6. ^ Chaunu 2000, p. 707-760.