House of Sforza

Sforza was a ruling family of Renaissance Italy, based in Milan.

Related Topics:
Renaissance - Italy - Milan

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The dynasty was founded by Muzio Attendolo, called Sforza ("Strong") (Cotignola, 1369 - near Pescara, 1424) a condottiere from the Romagna serving the Angevin kings of Naples. He was the most successful dynast of the condottieri.

Related Topics:
Muzio Attendolo - Cotignola - 1369 - Pescara - 1424 - Condottiere - Romagna - Angevin - Naples

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His son Francesco Sforza ruled Milan for the first half of the Renaissance era, acquiring the title of Duke of Milan from the extinct Visconti family in 1447. While there were many good rulers in the family, there were also a number of despots, many of which were mentally unstable.

Related Topics:
Francesco Sforza - Renaissance - Duke of Milan - Visconti - 1447

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This family would later join with the Borgia Family, through the arranged marriage of Lucrezia Borgia to Giovanni Sforza (who was the illegitimate son of Costanzo Sforza).

Related Topics:
Borgia Family - Arranged marriage - Lucrezia Borgia - Giovanni Sforza - Costanzo Sforza

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Ludovico Sforza (a.k.a. Ludovico il Moro, famous also for taking Leonardo da Vinci at his service) was defeated in 1500 by the French army of Louis XII of France - see also Italian Wars.

Related Topics:
Ludovico Sforza - Leonardo da Vinci - 1500 - Louis XII of France - Italian Wars

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After the French were driven out by Imperial Swiss troops Maximilian Sforza, son of Ludovico, became Duke of Milan, until the French returned under Francis I of France and imprisoned him.

Related Topics:
Maximilian Sforza - Duke of Milan - Francis I of France

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