Ludovico Sforza
Duke of Milan (1452–1508) / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Dear Wikiwand AI, let's keep it short by simply answering these key questions:
Can you list the top facts and stats about Ludovico Sforza?
Summarize this article for a 10 year old
Ludovico Maria Sforza (Italian: [ludoˈviːko maˈriːa ˈsfɔrtsa]; 27 July 1452 – 27 May 1508), also known as Ludovico il Moro (Italian: [il ˈmɔːro]; 'the Moor'),[lower-alpha 2] and called the "arbiter of Italy" by historian Francesco Guicciardini,[3] was an Italian nobleman who ruled as the Duke of Milan from 1494 to 1499.
Ludovico Sforza | |
---|---|
Duke of Milan | |
Reign | 21 October 1494 – 6 September 1499 |
Predecessor | Gian Galeazzo Sforza |
Successor | Louis XII of France |
Regent of Milan | |
Regency | 7 October 1480 – 21 October 1494 |
Monarch | Gian Galeazzo Sforza |
Born | 3 August 1452 Milan, Duchy of Milan |
Died | 27 May 1508 (aged 55) Château de Loches, Kingdom of France |
Spouse | Beatrice d'Este |
Issue Detail |
|
House | Sforza |
Father | Francesco I Sforza |
Mother | Bianca Maria Visconti |
Although he was the fourth son and excluded from his family's succession, Ludovico was ambitious and managed to obtain dominion over Milan. He first assumed the regency from his sister-in-law Bona, then took over from his deceased nephew Gian Galeazzo, whom some say he poisoned. Considered enlightened, generous, and peaceful, he became a patron of artists and writers. His court in Milan became one of the most important in Europe during the Italian Renaissance.[4]
Somewhat contrarily, Ludovico was also considered fearful and of a fickle nature.[5] To face the threats of King Alfonso II of Naples, Ludovico called the French to Italy; when threatened by the French, he could not face the danger, and was saved only thanks to the intervention of his wife, Beatrice.[6] When she died, he went into a depression[7] and the state of his court fell from jubilance to despair.[8] He finally succumbed to King of France Louis XII, who imprisoned him in France where he died.[9]