Vitellozzo Vitelli facts for kids
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Vitellozzo Vitelli (born around 1458 – died December 31, 1502) was a famous Italian soldier. He was known as a condottiero, which means he was a leader of mercenary soldiers. He also ruled over several towns like Montone, Città di Castello, Monterchi, and Anghiari.
A Soldier's Life
Vitellozzo came from a family of soldiers. His father, Niccolò Vitelli, ruled Città di Castello. Vitellozzo and his brothers were all condottieri. They were known for creating new ways to fight. They trained soldiers to use swords and long spears called pikes. They also had soldiers on horseback who used early guns called arquebuses.
Vitellozzo fought for many powerful groups in Italy. He helped the Medici family in Florence during their war against Pisa. Later, he fought with the French army in a region called Apulia in 1496. He also joined the Orsini family in their conflicts against Pope Alexander VI.
Working with Cesare Borgia
In 1500, Vitellozzo and the Orsini family made peace with the Pope. The Pope's son, Cesare Borgia, wanted to unite many small towns under his rule. He hired Vitellozzo and other condottieri to help him.
Vitellozzo was a skilled fighter and won many battles for Cesare Borgia. In 1501, Vitellozzo marched towards Florence. He wanted to get revenge for his brother, Paolo. Paolo had been a soldier for Florence but was accused of being a traitor and killed in 1499. Vitellozzo captured the city of Arezzo. However, Cesare Borgia and the French army made him give the city back. This made Vitellozzo very unhappy and he started to dislike Cesare Borgia. He dreamed of ruling on his own.
The Betrayal
Vitellozzo joined a secret plan against Cesare Borgia. This plan was called the conspiracy of La Magione. Other leaders like the Orsini family and Oliverotto da Fermo were also part of it. Vitellozzo was even married to Porzia, the daughter of Paolo Orsini.
But the leaders of the plot didn't trust each other. Cesare Borgia was also very clever and had French help. So, the plan failed. Vitellozzo and the other leaders tried to make up with Cesare Borgia. They captured the town of Senigallia for him.
However, Cesare Borgia tricked them. When Vitellozzo and Oliverotto arrived in Senigallia, their soldiers were far away. Cesare Borgia's men captured them. Vitellozzo and Oliverotto were killed that same night, on December 31, 1502. Some people believe that this event made Leonardo da Vinci upset with Borgia, as Leonardo was a friend of Vitellozzo.
See also
In Spanish: Vitellozzo Vitelli para niños
