Ercole II d'Este, Duke of Ferrara facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ercole II d'Este |
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Portrait by Niccolò dell'Abbate
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| Duke of Ferrara Duke of Modena and Reggio |
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| Reign | 31 October 1534 - 3 October 1559 |
| Predecessor | Alfonso I d’Este |
| Successor | Alfonso II d'Este |
| Born | 5 April 1508 Ferrara, Duchy of Ferrara |
| Died | 3 October 1559 (aged 51) Ferrara, Duchy of Ferrara |
| Spouse | |
| Issue | Anna, Duchess of Guise Alfonso II, Duke of Ferrara Lucrezia d'Este Eleonora d'Este Luigi d'Este |
| House | Este |
| Father | Alfonso I d'Este |
| Mother | Lucrezia Borgia |
Ercole II d'Este (born April 5, 1508 – died October 3, 1559) was an important Italian ruler. He was the Duke of Ferrara, Modena and Reggio from 1534 until his death in 1559. He was the oldest son of Alfonso I d'Este and Lucrezia Borgia. His family, the House of Este, was very powerful in Italy during the Renaissance.
Contents
Life of Ercole II d'Este
Family Background
Ercole II d'Este had many interesting family connections. His mother was Lucrezia Borgia, which made him the grandson of Pope Alexander VI. His aunt was Isabella d'Este, who was known as "the First Lady of the Renaissance." This was because she was a great supporter of art and culture.
Ercole also had several siblings. One of his brothers was Ippolito II d'Este, who became an important Cardinal in the Catholic Church.
Early Life and Marriage
Ercole played a small but important part in a major event in 1527. This was when the army of Emperor Charles V needed heavy cannons to attack the city of Rome. Ercole helped by providing these cannons. This allowed the army to move forward and eventually take control of Rome.
In April 1528, Ercole married Renée of France. She was the daughter of Louis XII, who was the King of France. Renée brought a large dowry, which is money or property given by the bride's family. She also brought a yearly payment. This wealth helped her create a lively court in Ferrara. Many scholars and artists, like Bernardo Tasso, came to her court.
Ercole and Renée had five children:
- Anna, born in 1531. She later married the Duke of Guise.
- Alfonso, born in 1533. He became Duke after his father.
- Lucrezia, born in 1535. She married the Duke of Urbino.
- Eleonora, born in 1537.
- Luigi, born later.
Becoming Duke and Ruling
Ercole became the Duke of Ferrara, Modena, and Reggio in October 1534. Once he was in charge, he made some changes at his court. He felt that the French people at his court were too expensive and had too much influence. By 1543, most of them had left.
He also faced pressure from the Roman Curia, which was the Pope's administration. They wanted him to remove anyone suspected of having different religious beliefs. His wife, Duchess Renée, was known to communicate with people who held Protestant views. She was even suspected of changing her own religious beliefs. In 1554, Ercole brought these concerns to the King of France. Renée later confirmed her different beliefs.
Ercole was involved in the political events of his time. In 1556, he sided with Pope Paul IV and France against Spain in a war. However, he later made a separate peace agreement with Spain in 1558.
Patron of the Arts
Like many rulers during the Renaissance, Ercole was a supporter of the arts. He helped artists and scholars. His brother, Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este, was also a great patron of the arts. Ippolito built the famous Villa d'Este near Tivoli, which is known for its beautiful gardens and fountains.
See also
In Spanish: Hércules II de Este para niños
