Ercole II

Ercole II d'Este ruled as the Duke of Ferrara from 1534 to 1559, continuing the legacy of the prominent House of Este. His reign was marked by significant personal events rather than major military campaigns. He married Renée of France, daughter of King Louis XII, who embraced Lutheranism and made their court a center for liberal thinkers and heretics. Ercole II attempted to curb her religious activities, even imprisoning her temporarily. He was succeeded by his son, Alfonso II, who was the last duke of Ferrara. The House of Este had ruled Ferrara from the 13th century until 1598, when the city was incorporated into the Papal States.12