Breisach, the "key" to Southern Germany, falls into enemy hands together with many supplies, guns and ammunition.

Situated along the Rhine, Breisach had been integrated into the French state in the course of the politics of Reunions from 1670, but had in 1697 under the Treaty of Ryswick been returned to the Holy Roman Empire.

Johann Phiipp D'Arco, born in Arco, Trentino, already has thirty years distinguished service when he is ordered by Louis William, Margrave of Baden-Baden in 1703, to defend Breisach to the last man against a French attack under Villars.

The city is well defended and d'Arco disposed of sufficient soldiers to hold the city for a considerable time, but he capitulates on September 6 after only thirteen days of siege.

D'arco is charged with treason for surrendering Breisach, and beheaded on February 18, 1704, at Bregenz.

His second in command Luigi Ferdinando Marsigli is stripped of all honors and his sword is broken over him.