![In 1602, Geneva defended itself against a Savoyard attack with muskets, sabres and cooking pots.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/2020/12/Escalade-Titel-300x168.jpg)
The Geneva Escalade
In December 1602, the Duke of Savoy attempted to take the city state of Geneva with a surprise attack. The attack was thwarted, and the city finally became independent.
![Graphic print of the Escalade, circa 1850. The text of the ‘Chanson de l’Escalade’ can be seen in the margin.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/2020/12/Escalade-300x203.jpg)
Legend of the soup cauldron
![Madame Royaume in action in a 17th-century print.](https://blog.nationalmuseum.ch/app/uploads/2020/12/Royaume-279x300.jpg)
In December 1602, the Duke of Savoy attempted to take the city state of Geneva with a surprise attack. The attack was thwarted, and the city finally became independent.