Cangrande II della Scala facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cangrande II della Scala |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth of Bavaria |
| Issue | |
| Guglielmo della Scala | |
| Noble family | Scaliger |
| Father | Mastino II della Scala |
| Mother | Taddea de Carrara |
| Born | 8 June 1332 Verona |
| Died | 14 December 1359 Verona |
Cangrande II della Scala (born June 7, 1332 – died December 14, 1359) was an important ruler in medieval Italy. He was the Lord of Verona and Vicenza from 1351 until his death.
Contents
Who Was Cangrande II?
Cangrande II della Scala was a powerful leader from the famous Scaliger family. This family ruled the cities of Verona and Vicenza for many years. Cangrande II became the ruler after his father, Mastino II della Scala, passed away.
Early Life and Family
Cangrande II was born in Verona on June 7, 1332. In 1351, when his father died, he inherited the lordship of Verona and Vicenza. For a short time, until 1352, his uncle Alberto II helped him rule.
In 1350, Cangrande married Elizabeth of Bavaria. She was the daughter of Emperor Louis IV of Bavaria. This marriage connected him to a very important European royal family.
Ruling Verona
Cangrande II was known for his strict rule. People even nicknamed him Can Rabbioso, which means "Raging Dog." He focused on gathering a lot of wealth for his own family members. This made the city of Verona poorer.
His strict rule and focus on personal wealth caused problems among the people. Because he was worried about revolts, Cangrande hired soldiers from Brandenburg to protect him. However, these guards could not save him. His own brother, Cansignorio, arranged for Cangrande to be killed in 1359. Cansignorio then took over as ruler with help from the Carraresi family from Padua.
Building for Safety
Cangrande II had a large castle and a strong bridge built in Verona. These structures are now famous landmarks: Castelvecchio and the Castelvecchio Bridge. He built them to have a safe place to stay. The bridge also offered a secure way to escape towards Germany if there was a rebellion in the city.
Family and Legacy
Cangrande II had several children. His daughters included:
- Antonia della Scala (died 1400), who married Mastino Visconti. Mastino was the son of Bernabò Visconti.
- Cleofa della Scala (died 1403), who married Giammastino Visconti, Mastino's younger brother.
He also had a son outside of marriage:
- Guglielmo della Scala.
| Preceded by Mastino II |
Lord of Verona and Vicenza 1351–1359 |
Succeeded by Cansignorio Paolo Albonio |
