The Italian Wars, often referred to as the Great Italian Wars or the Great Wars of Italy in historical works, are a series of conflicts from 1494 to 1559 that involves, at various times, most of the city-states of Italy, the Papal States, all the major states of western Europe (France, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, England, Scotland) as well as the Ottoman Empire.

Originally arising from dynastic disputes over the Duchy of Milan and the Kingdom of Naples, the wars rapidly become a general struggle for power and territory among their various participants, and are marked with an increasing degree of alliances, counter-alliances, and regular betrayals.

The First Italian War, sometimes referred to as the Italian War of 1494 or Charles VIII's Italian War, is the opening phase of the Italian Wars.

The war pits Charles VIII of France, who has initial Milanese aid, against the Holy Roman Empire, Spain, and an alliance of Italian powers led by Pope Alexander VI.

The Second Italian War, sometimes known as Louis XII's Italian War or the War over Naples, is fought primarily by Louis XII of France and Ferdinand I of Spain, with the participation of several Italian powers.

In the aftermath of the First Italian War, Louis is determined to press his claim on the thrones of Milan and Naples.