The Battle of Auerstedt took place on October 14, 1806, during the War of the Fourth Coalition. It was part of the larger conflict between the French Empire and the Prussian Kingdom. The battle saw the forces of Napoleon Bonaparte decisively defeat the Prussian army, which was led by Duke Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand of Brunswick. Despite being outnumbered, Napoleon's strategic brilliance and effective use of artillery led to a significant victory. The defeat at Auerstedt, along with the nearby Battle of Jena, marked a turning point in the war, leading to the collapse of Prussian resistance against French dominance in Europe.