Oliverotto Euffreducci facts for kids
Oliverotto Euffreducci, known as Oliverotto of Fermo (born in Fermo in 1475, died in Senigallia on December 31, 1502), was an Italian condottiero. A condottiero was a leader of mercenary soldiers in Italy. Oliverotto became the lord of Fermo during the time of Pope Alexander VI. His life and actions are described in Il Principe (The Prince), a famous book by Niccolò Machiavelli.
Contents
Who Was Oliverotto Euffreducci?
Early Life and Military Career
Oliverotto Euffreducci was born in Fermo. He grew up without his father and was raised by his uncle, Giovanni Fogliani. To help him become a powerful leader, his uncle sent him to train as a soldier. He served under a skilled condottiero named Paolo Vitelli.
In 1495, Oliverotto fought alongside Vitelli. They fought first in Pisa and then in Naples for the French army. Later, in 1499, they were fighting for the city of Florence against Pisa. However, both Oliverotto and Vitelli were accused of disloyalty by Florence. Paolo Vitelli was executed, but Oliverotto was saved. The government of Fermo stepped in to protect him.
After this, Oliverotto joined forces with Vitellozzo Vitelli, Paolo's brother. Together, they began to serve Cesare Borgia, a very powerful figure at the time.
Taking Control of Fermo
Oliverotto's ambition grew, and he wanted to rule Fermo himself. He wrote to his uncle, Giovanni Fogliani, saying he wanted to visit. His uncle, not suspecting any trouble, welcomed him. He invited Oliverotto to stay in his own large house in Fermo. He also gathered important citizens to meet his nephew.
Oliverotto then arranged a grand dinner party. He invited many important people from Fermo, including his uncle. During the banquet, Oliverotto began to talk about serious matters. He spoke about the power of Pope Alexander and his son Cesare Borgia.
Then, Oliverotto said these important discussions should continue in a more private room. His uncle and the other citizens followed him. Once they were seated, Oliverotto revealed his plan. He had his uncle and the other important guests arrested and removed, taking control of the city.
After this, Oliverotto quickly took over the palace where the city's council met. He made sure everyone understood he was now in charge. He set up his own government and became the absolute ruler of Fermo. He soon became a strong leader, respected by the nearby states.
His Downfall and Legacy
In May 1502, Oliverotto helped Cesare Borgia conquer the city of Camerino. However, Oliverotto and other leaders began to worry. They saw that Cesare Borgia was becoming too powerful. So, on October 9, 1502, Oliverotto attended a secret meeting at La Magione. Many other important leaders, like Giulio Orsini, Paolo Orsini, and Vitellozzo Vitelli, were there.
Oliverotto did not agree with Paolo Orsini's idea to make peace with Cesare Borgia. Despite this, Oliverotto later captured Senigallia in Cesare Borgia's name. But Cesare Borgia had a secret plan. On December 31, 1502, Cesare Borgia had Oliverotto captured. Oliverotto was executed along with Vitellozzo Vitelli.
After Oliverotto's death, Fermo became part of the lands controlled by the Holy See (the Pope's government).
Oliverotto Euffreducci is remembered in Niccolò Machiavelli's book, Il Principe. Machiavelli wrote about leaders who gained power using harsh and clever methods. Oliverotto is shown as a determined and cunning character in this famous book.
