Uguccione della Faggiuola facts for kids
Uguccione della Faggiuola (born around 1250, died November 1, 1319) was a famous Italian condottiero (a leader of soldiers for hire). He was also an important Ghibelline leader and a magistrate (a type of judge or official) in cities like Pisa, Lucca, and Forlì. He played a big part in the politics of Italy during his time.
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Uguccione's Life and Leadership
Uguccione was born in a place called Casteldelci. He became well-known in the late 1200s as a captain for the army of Arezzo. He successfully captured the city of Cesena during this time. In 1297, he tried to take over Forlì, but he was not successful.
Becoming a Powerful Leader
Uguccione was part of the Ghibelline group. This group supported the Holy Roman Emperor in Italy. From 1311 to 1312, he worked as an imperial vicar (a representative of the emperor) in Genoa for Emperor Henry VII.
After Emperor Henry VII passed away in 1313, Uguccione became the chief magistrate, also known as podestà, of Pisa. He was also made the captain of the people, which meant he was almost like the ruler of Pisa.
Controlling Pisa and Lucca
From 1314 to 1316, Pisa became the main center for Ghibelline activities under Uguccione's rule. He had a lot of power and influence during these years.
In 1314, Uguccione helped to take over the city of Lucca. He did this with the help of a younger leader he was mentoring, named Castruccio Castracani.
The Battle of Montecatini
Uguccione led his forces to a major victory on August 29, 1315. In the battle of Montecatini, he defeated the Guelphs from Florence and their allies from Naples. The Guelphs were the group that supported the Pope, and this was a very big defeat for them.
Later Life and Death
In 1316, there were uprisings in both Pisa and Lucca. These rebellions forced Uguccione to leave the cities. He found safety with another powerful leader, Cangrande della Scala, who made Uguccione the podestà of Vicenza.
Uguccione della Faggiuola died from a disease called malaria on November 1, 1319. He passed away during a battle to take over the city of Padua.
