# monte # casino

**Battle of Monte Casino** ## **What was the Battle of Monte Casino?** The Battle of Monte Casino was a major battle of World War II that took place in Italy from January to May 1944. The battle was fought between the Allied forces, led by the British Eighth Army, and the German forces, led by Field Marshal Albert Kesselring. The battle was fought over the strategically important town of Monte Cassino, which controlled the routes to Rome. ### **Why was Monte Casino important?** Monte Cassino was important because it controlled the routes to Rome. The Allies needed to take Monte Cassino in order to advance on Rome and to eventually defeat the Germans in Italy. The Germans knew that Monte Cassino was important, and they defended it fiercely. ## **How did the battle go?** The battle was fought in four phases. The first phase, from January to February 1944, saw…