The Battle of Ivry was fought on March 14, 1590 during the French wars. The battle occurred on the plain of Epieds near Ivry. Since Henry III, King of France, died, and his brother, the Duc d Alencon died in 1584, his cousin Henry of Navarre became the man to the throne. However Navarre was not popular in the South, and he was not trusted by part of the army. Henry of Navarre moved rapidly to besiege Dreux, a town that was controlled by the league. The army of the Catholic League consisted of citizens led by priests and rebellious nobles. At first light on March 14, 1590, the two armies met. The Duke Of Mayenne had 12,000 foot soldiers supported by an assortment of German and Swiss infantry and 4,000 cavalry, 2,000 of whom were Spanish. The King had only 8,000 foot soldiers and 3,000 men on horseback. The action began with a few deadly cannon balls from the six pieces of royal artillery. Henry of Navarre defeated Mayenne at Ivry then he became an amazing king of France. He made a wise ruler, and was one of the best loved of all French kings. He was most famous for his gallant bearing, his chivalry, and his bravery. He had done all of this and more at Ivry.