Azzone Visconti facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Azzone Visconti
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| Lord of Milan | |
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| Coat of arms | .svg) |
| Reign | 1329 - 1339 |
| Predecessor | Galeazzo I |
| Successor | Luchino |
| Born | 7 December 1302 |
| Died | 16 August 1339 |
| Buried | San Gottardo, Milan |
| Noble family | House of Visconti |
| Spouse(s) | Catherine of Savoy |
| Issue | Luchina |
| Father | Galeazzo I Visconti |
| Mother | Beatrice d'Este |
| Occupation | Condottiero |
Azzone Visconti (born December 7, 1302 – died August 16, 1339) was an important leader in Milan, Italy. He became the Lord of Milan in 1329 and ruled until he passed away. Azzone worked hard to bring back his family's power and lands. He took control of many cities during his time as ruler. He is also remembered for building many beautiful structures in Milan.
Contents
Who Was Azzone Visconti?
Early Life and Family Background
Azzone Visconti was born in Ferrara, Italy. He was the only son of Galeazzo I Visconti and Beatrice d'Este. His family, the Visconti, was very powerful. They were one of the most important families in Milan and the surrounding areas.
In 1322, Azzone was the lord of Piacenza. However, he and his father had to leave the city that same year.
A Young Military Leader
Azzone was a skilled military commander from a young age. In 1325, he led troops in two important battles. These were the Battle of Altopascio and the Battle of Zappolino. In both battles, his side won against their rivals, the Guelphs.
Becoming Lord of Milan
Challenges to Visconti Power
In 1327, Azzone's father, Galeazzo, faced a difficult time. He and other family members were arrested. Their lands were taken away by the Emperor. Many cities that had been loyal to the Visconti family were now controlled by other local families. Milan itself was ruled by new leaders who did not like the Visconti family. When Galeazzo died later that year, the Visconti family's power was at a very low point.
Buying the Title of Imperial Vicar
Azzone quickly began to work to get his family's power back. In 1329, he got help from his uncle, Giovanni. Azzone bought the title of "imperial vicar" of Milan from Emperor Louis IV. This title meant he was the Emperor's representative in Milan. He paid a large sum of money for it, about 60,000 to 125,000 florins. A florin was a type of gold coin used back then.
Azzone only paid a small part of the money he promised. Emperor Louis IV was not strong enough to make him pay the rest.
Dealing with the Pope
Azzone's actions made Pope John XXII very angry. The Pope took strong actions against Azzone. He even threatened to have his French allies invade Milan. To avoid this, Azzone agreed to the Pope's demands. He gave up his title as imperial vicar. However, he was still able to keep his political power in Milan. On March 15, 1330, he was officially named the Lord of Milan.
Azzone's Rule and Achievements
Expanding Visconti Lands
In 1331, Azzone married Catherine of Savoy. She was the daughter of Louis II of Vaud. This marriage helped him make new alliances. In the same year, he joined forces with Theodore I, Marquess of Montferrat. They worked together against King Robert of Anjou to gain control of lands in northwestern Italy.
Azzone continued to expand his family's territory. In 1332, he took control of Bergamo and Pizzighettone. In 1335, he added Lodi, Crema, and other areas in Lombardy. These lands had previously been given to the Pope. He also conquered Vercelli and Cremona.
Facing Challenges and Building Milan
By February 1339, Azzone was suffering from a painful illness called gout. This made it hard for him to move around. He faced a rebellion from a relative named Lodrisio Visconti. Lodrisio had hired a group of mercenary soldiers (soldiers who fight for money). Azzone had his uncle, Luchino Visconti, lead the Milanese army. The Milanese army defeated Lodrisio at the Battle of Parabiago. Lodrisio was then put in prison.
Azzone died on August 16, 1339, from a gout attack. He was buried in the church of San Gottardo. He had ordered this church to be built some years before. Azzone did not have any sons, only a daughter named Luchina. After his death, his uncles, Giovanni and Luchino, became the Lords of Milan.
Besides his political and military achievements, Azzone is remembered for his many building projects. He greatly improved Milan and other cities in the Lombardy region.
Images for kids
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Azzone Visconti
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The coat of arms of the Visconti family
| Italian nobility | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Galeazzo I Visconti |
Lord of Milan 1329–1339 |
Succeeded by Luchino Visconti |
