The Habsburg-Valois Wars were a series of conflicts fought between the ruling houses of the Habsburgs and the Valois in the 16th century. These wars primarily centered around control of territories in Italy and were marked by significant battles, shifting alliances, and political intrigue. The struggle was fueled by the desire for dominance in European politics and the competition for the Italian crown. The wars included notable events such as the Battle of Pavia in 1525, where the forces of the Habsburgs, led by Charles V, defeated the Valois army under Francis I. The conflicts contributed to the rise of the Habsburgs as a dominant power in Europe, while the Valois dynasty faced decline, ultimately leading to the end of their rule in France.