Massimiliano Sforza
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Massimiliano Sforza was a member of the Sforza family, an Italian dynasty that ruled Milan for nearly a century. He was the son of Ludovico Sforza, also known as Il Moro. After his father was driven from power by Louis XII of France in 1499, Massimiliano and his brother took refuge in Germany.
Backed by the Swiss, Massimiliano returned to Milan in 1513 and briefly regained control of the duchy. However, three years later, Francis I of France defeated the Milanese and their Swiss allies at the Battle of Marignano. Massimiliano yielded the duchy to Francis and retired to Paris. Later, his brother Francesco Maria Sforza briefly ruled Milan before the duchy eventually passed to Emperor Charles V and the Habsburgs.12
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Charles VImperialist goals, rivalry with Francis I, and fight against ProtestantismAfter defeating Duke Massimiliano Sforza at the Battle of Marignano in 1515, Francis I of France compelled him, in the Treaty of Noyon, to renounce his claim to the duchy of Milan. The vanquished Sforza turned for help to Pope Leo X and Charles V, with whom he…
Read MoreAfter defeating Duke Massimiliano Sforza at the Battle of Marignano in 1515, Francis I of France compelled him, in the Treaty of Noyon, to renounce his claim to the duchy of Milan. The vanquished Sforza turned for help to Pope Leo X and Charles V, with whom he…
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Francis IPromise of a great reign…invincible Swiss mercenaries of Duke Massimiliano Sforza and his ally Pope Leo X. After the victory, by his own wish, he was knighted by the captain who had fought most bravely: Bayard, the most famous chevalier of his time.
Read More…invincible Swiss mercenaries of Duke Massimiliano Sforza and his ally Pope Leo X. After the victory, by his own wish, he was knighted by the captain who had fought most bravely: Bayard, the most famous chevalier of his time.
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