Guidobaldo da Montefeltro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Guidobaldo da Montefeltro |
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Portrait by Raphael, c. 1507
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| Duke of Urbino | |
| 1st Reign | 1482-1502 |
| Predecessor | Federico III da Montefeltro |
| Successor | Cesare Borgia |
| 2nd Reign | 1503–1508 |
| Predecessor | Cesare Borgia |
| Successor | Francesco Maria I della Rovere |
| Born | 25 January 1472 Gubbio, Duchy of Urbino |
| Died | 10 April 1508 (aged 36) Fossombrone, Duchy of Urbino |
| Spouse | Elisabetta Gonzaga |
| House | Montefeltro |
| Father | Federico III da Montefeltro |
| Mother | Battista Sforza |
Guidobaldo (Guido Ubaldo) da Montefeltro (born January 25, 1472 – died April 10, 1508) was an important Italian leader. He was a military captain, known as a condottiero. Guidobaldo also served as the Duke of Urbino from 1482 until his death in 1508.
Contents
Guidobaldo da Montefeltro's Life
Early Years and Becoming Duke
Guidobaldo was born in a town called Gubbio. He was the son of Federico da Montefeltro, who was also the Duke of Urbino. When his father passed away in 1482, Guidobaldo took over as the new Duke.
He later married Elisabetta Gonzaga. She was the sister of Francesco II Gonzaga, who was the Marquis of Mantua.
A Military Leader
As a condottiero, Guidobaldo was a skilled military commander. He fought for different powerful leaders and states in Italy. For example, he served as one of Pope Alexander VI's captains. He even fought alongside the French army led by King Charles VIII of France. This was during a time when France invaded southern Italy.
Later, Guidobaldo was hired by the Republic of Venice. He fought against King Charles VIII's forces. In 1496, while fighting for the Pope, he was captured. He was held prisoner by some powerful families, the Orsini and the Vitelli. Luckily, he was set free the following year.
Losing and Regaining Urbino
In 1502, Guidobaldo faced a big challenge. He was forced to leave Urbino because of the armies of Cesare Borgia. Cesare Borgia was a very powerful and ambitious leader.
However, Guidobaldo returned to Urbino in 1503. This happened after Cesare Borgia's father, Pope Alexander VI, died. Guidobaldo then adopted his nephew, Francesco Maria I della Rovere, as his heir. Francesco Maria was also the nephew of the new Pope, Pope Julius II. This adoption helped to connect Urbino with another important area called Senigallia. Guidobaldo also helped Pope Julius II take back control of a region called Romagna.
A Center for Art and Learning
The court of Urbino, where Guidobaldo lived and ruled, was very special. It was known as one of the most refined and elegant places in Italy. Many important writers and thinkers gathered there.
For example, the historian Polydore Vergil might have worked for Guidobaldo and Elisabetta. Also, Baldassare Castiglione, a famous author, was part of their court. Castiglione wrote a very important book called The Book of the Courtier. This book describes what life was like at the court of Urbino.
Later Life and Legacy
Guidobaldo suffered from a painful illness called gout. He passed away in Fossombrone when he was 36 years old. His nephew, Francesco Maria della Rovere, then became the new Duke of Urbino.
See also
In Spanish: Guidobaldo de Montefeltro para niños
