Muzio Attendolo Sforza facts for kids
Muzio Attendolo Sforza (born May 28, 1369 – died January 4, 1424) was a skilled Italian condottiero. A condottiero was a leader of a group of mercenaries, or soldiers for hire, in Italy during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Muzio founded the important Sforza family. He led an army from Bologna and Florence in a big battle called the Battle of Casalecchio.
He was also the father of Francesco Sforza, who later became a powerful ruler of Milan for 16 years.
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Muzio Sforza's Early Life and Rise
Giacomuzzo was born in 1369 in a town called Cotignola in Romagna. His family was wealthy and part of the rural nobility. Muzio was a shorter version of his full name, Giacomuzzo.
A story says that young Giacomo was working in a field when some mercenaries, led by a man named Boldrino da Panicale, passed by. They were looking for new soldiers. Giacomo then took one of his father's horses and followed them, deciding to become a soldier himself.
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Later, Muzio and his brothers joined a military company led by Alberico da Barbiano. Alberico gave him the nickname "Sforza," which means "Strong." This nickname stuck with him and his family. In 1398, Muzio worked for the city of Perugia against the Milanese army. However, he soon changed sides to join the Milanese, which was common for mercenary leaders back then.
Muzio later fought for Florence against the Milanese ruler, Gian Galeazzo Visconti. But in 1402, at the Battle of Casalecchio, his old master Alberico da Barbiano defeated him. By 1409, he was working for Niccolò III d'Este of Ferrara, who was facing threats from Ottobono Terzi.
Serving the Kingdom of Naples
King Ladislaus of Naples recognized Sforza's military skills and made him the Grand Constable of his kingdom. This was a very important military position. Sforza's abilities were often needed to fight against Florence and the Pope.
After King Ladislaus died in 1414, Sforza continued to serve Queen Joanna II. However, he faced challenges and was even arrested and imprisoned due to rivalries at court. His own troops helped free him, and Queen Joanna gave him lands in Benevento and Manfredonia. Sforza then married Caterina Alopo.
A few months later, Sforza was arrested again after a disagreement with James of Bourbon. He was finally freed in 1416, and Queen Joanna gave him back his title of Constable.
In 1417, Queen Joanna sent Sforza to help the Pope against a military leader named Braccio da Montone. Sforza's son, Francesco, also joined him. Sforza briefly returned to Naples, but faced opposition from another powerful figure at court, Giovanni Caracciolo. In the confusing events that followed, Sforza helped Queen Joanna escape to Aversa.
In 1423, the city of L'Aquila rebelled against Braccio da Montone, and Sforza was sent to help them. While trying to save one of his pages (a young assistant) during a river crossing, Sforza drowned in the River Pescara. His body was swept away by the strong current.
Muzio Sforza's Family and Legacy
Muzio Sforza had many children. His most famous son was Francesco, who became the Duke of Milan.
Here are some of his children:
- Bosio (1410–1476), who became the Count of Cotignola.
- Francesco (1401–1466), who became the Duke of Milan in 1450. He was a very important figure in Italian history.
- Alessandro (1409–1473), who became the Lord of Pesaro.
- Gabriele (1423–1457), who became the Archbishop of Milan.
 Son: Francesco I Sforza Duke of Milan |
 Grandson: Galeazzo Maria Sforza 5th Duke of Milan |
.jpg) Grandson: Ludovico Sforza 7th Duke of Milan |
Remembering Muzio Sforza
Muzio Attendolo Sforza was a very important military leader in his time. His nickname "Sforza" became the name of a powerful family that ruled Milan for many years.
In 1935, the Italian navy launched a warship called the Muzio Attendolo. This shows how important he was in Italian history.
Images for kids
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Muzio Attendolo
