Facino Cane facts for kids
Facino Cane (born Bonifacio Cane in 1360) was a famous Italian condottiero. A condottiero was a military leader who led groups of soldiers for hire. Facino Cane became very powerful and wealthy during his lifetime.
Facino Cane's Life Story
Becoming a Soldier
Facino Cane was born in Casale Monferrato in 1360. He came from a noble family. He learned military skills by fighting in wars from a young age. In 1382, he fought alongside Otto of Brunswick against Charles of Durazzo.
When he was 26, Facino became a condottiero for important families. These included the Scaliger and Carraresi families. In 1387, he was hired by Theodore II, the Marquess of Montferrat. He led 400 knights in a war against the House of Savoy.
A Mercenary's Goals
Facino Cane fought in wars mostly to gain wealth for himself and his soldiers. This often led to harsh actions against local people. Because of this, Theodore II dismissed Facino in 1397.
After that, Facino Cane worked for the da Carrara family again. In 1401, he joined the Visconti family. In 1400, he even created his own small area of control in Borgo San Martino. By 1404, his personal lands included important cities like Alessandria, Novara, and Tortona.
Gaining Power in Milan
In 1402, Duke Gian Galeazzo Visconti died. Facino Cane then took control of the Duchy of Milan. He became very influential in the region.
Facino Cane died in Pavia in May 1412. After his death, his widow, Beatrice Lascaris di Tenda, married the new duke, Filippo Maria Visconti. This marriage meant that Filippo Maria Visconti inherited Facino's cities, his wealth, and his soldiers. This made the new duke even more powerful.
