Paola Colonna facts for kids

Paola Colonna (born around 1378 – died November 3, 1450) was an important noblewoman who ruled the area of Piombino from 1441 to 1445. She came from a very powerful and famous family in Italy, the Colonna family. Her life was full of political events and family connections that shaped her time.

Early Life and Family Connections

Paola Colonna was born in a town called Genazzano in Italy, around the year 1378. Her father was Agapito Colonna, who was the lord of Genazzano. This meant he was in charge of that area.

Paola had two brothers who became very well-known. Her brother Giordano was a prince and a duke for a short time. Her other brother, Oddo, became one of the most important people in the world at that time: Pope Martin V. Having a pope in the family showed how influential the Colonna family was.

Marriage and Becoming Lady of Piombino

On June 18, 1396, Paola Colonna married Gherardo Appiani. He was the ruler, or "lord," of Piombino, a small but important state in Italy. This marriage connected two powerful families.

When Gherardo Appiani passed away, their son, Iacopo, was still young. Paola stepped in to rule Piombino for him. This role is called a "regency," where someone governs a state because the rightful ruler is too young or unable to rule themselves. She made sure things ran smoothly until Iacopo was old enough.

A Difficult Decision for Piombino

Later, her son Iacopo also passed away. This created a challenge for who would rule Piombino next. There was a legitimate heir, Emanuele Appiani, who was expected to take over. However, Paola made a different choice.

She decided that her daughter, Caterina, should become the ruler of Piombino. Caterina was married to a famous military leader named Rinaldo Orsini. This decision was a big political move by Paola, showing her strength and influence in the family's power.

Paola Colonna passed away in Piombino in 1450.