Louvre Museum, L138LR no. 21 © RMN-Grand Palais / Thierry Le Mage

Fourth charge in the Battle of Dreux, December 1562, engraving by Jean-Jacques Périssin

The first major battle of the French Wars of Religion took place near Dreux. The battle was a series of equestrian charges and counter-charges, with the advantage constantly shifting between sides until the Catholics gained victory over the Protestants.