Battle of Pavia 1625: detail from sixteenth century Flemish tapestry. The History of Warfare, by Field Marshal, The Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, page 225. In 1525 during the Battle of Pavia, Charles V (1500-1558), the Holy Roman Emperor, defeated Francis I (1494-1547), King of France, taking him prisoner after the injury of his horse by Cesare Hercolani, and confining him in Spain. This event has been called "the first major modern battle", marking the transition from knights in armour and crossbowmen to cannoneers. Hercolani, a native of Forl? was hailed as the "victor of the battle of Pavia". Francis I also lost his general Louis de la Tr幦oille in this battle, who died of a wound inflicted by an arquebus.