Control of the Duchies of Milan and Mantua was the main strategic prize in Northern Italy as they were key to the security of Austria's southern border. In February 1701, both accepted French garrisons with Victor Amadeus II, Duke of Savoy also signing an alliance with France in April. In May, an Austrian army under Prince Eugene of Savoy  entered Northern Italy and won a series of victories which by February 1702 had forced the French behind the Adda river. Eugene was short of money, men and supplies and unable to take full advantage of this success while in March Vendôme took over from Villeroi and his army substantially reinforced. In June, Vendôme was joined at Cremona by the new Bourbon King of Spain Philip V; the two split their forces, with Philip besieging Imperial-held towns, hoping to entice Eugene away from Mantua while Vendôme tracked him looking for an opportunity to attack. After a skirmish at Santa Vittoria on 26 July, Vendôme captured Guastalla, then turning north to besiege Borgoforte. In early August, he stopped at the Austrian-held town of Luzzara on the right bank of the Po River; the total French force was around 30,000 - 35,000, including 10,000 Savoyards and five regiments of the Irish Brigade. Eugene lifted his blockade of Mantua since these moves threatened to cut him off from his supply bases at Modena and Mirandola. Taking all available forces, around 26,000 men, he marched to intercept the French at Luzzara but arrived too late to prevent its surrender and established his headquarters at the village of Riva, north of the French positions.. How many years did the events span?