the upper hand and had made slight gains, including Monte Milone, the Austrians were still in an excellent defensive position. On the second day, fog delayed the start of battle until 7:00 a.m. The day started well for Murat as the Neapolitan army managed to take Rancia Castle as well as the hills of Cantagallo. From here, the Neapolitans staged a further attack on the Austrian positions. Two Neapolitan infantry divisions, including Murat's Guard Division, descended from Monte Milone against the Austrian left flank. The Neapolitans made the mistake of forming square, expecting a swift cavalry counter-attack, which never happened. The Austrian infantry delivered a series of volleys, supported by devastating artillery fire. General Mohr (de) had also repulsed an attack on the Austrian right and the entire Neapolitan line fell back to Pollenza. With the result of the battle still undecided, Murat received word Neipperg had defeated Carascosa at the Battle of Scapezzano and was approaching. To make matters worse, he received false rumours that a British fleet had just unloaded a Sicilian army in the south of Italy, threatening his line of retreat. Unbeknownst to Murat, the British fleet was instead sailing to blockade Naples and Ancona. Murat sounded the retreat and the fighting ended. Aftermath The battle resulted in a decisive Austrian victory. The Neapolitans lost over 4,000 men and the Austrians 800. Afterwards the Neapolitans would be beaten by Hungarian cavalry at Castel di Sangro and the remains of the shattered Neapolitan army would be finished at San Germano. Meanwhile the entire Neapolitan fleet surrendered to the Royal Navy to avoid bombardment of the Neapolitan capital. Murat fell back to Naples but with the Austrians approaching by land and the British by sea, he had no choice but to flee to Corsica, disguised as a Danish sailor. The battle proved decisive; on 20 May 1815, Austria and Naples concluded the Treaty of Casalanza, restoring Ferdinand IV to the throne. References Capt. Batty, An Historical Sketch of the Campaign of 1815, London (1820) Colletta, Pietro (translated by Horner, Susan). History of the Kingdom of Naples: 1734-1825, Hamilton, Adams, and Co. (1858) Cust, Edward. Annals of the wars of the nineteenth century (1863) External links Tolentino 815, the web site of the society which re-enacts and studies the battle. Battle of Tolentino at Napoleon Guide. Conflicts in 1815 Battles of the Neapolitan War Battles involving Austria Battles involving