The Crossing of the Lodi Bridge

Part of the Italian Campaign of 1796–1797, the Battle of Lodi took place on 10 May 1796 between French forces commanded by Napoleon Bonaparte and an Austrian rearguard at Lodi, in Lombardy. Thanks to a flanking manoeuvre and a daring assault, Napoleon’s troops captured the bridge at Lodi. The Austrian rearguard was defeated, but the main body of the army had time to retreat and escape.
Although the Battle of Lodi was not a decisive engagement, it became a central part of the Napoleonic legend, convincing even Napoleon himself that he was superior to other generals and destined for greater achievements.