Magenta

Town in Lombardy, Italy, 24 km/15 mi west of Milan, where France and Sardinia defeated Austria on 4 June 1859 during the struggle for Italian independence. Magenta dye was named in honour of the victory.

The Sardinians, holding a position north of Alessandria, had already staved off two attacks by the Austrians who had drawn back and taken up a line behind the Ticino River. On the arrival of their French allies, the Sardinians advanced in a frontal attack, assisted by the French. The battle continued for some time without either side gaining any advantage until Marshal Marie MacMahon led his French troops across the Ticino, to the north of the battle, and then swept down onto the Austrian flank. The flank immediately collapsed and the battle was over before the Sardinians could advance in support.