Simone Boccanegra

Genoese ruler

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June 22, 2026

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Simone Boccanegra was a prominent figure in Genoese history, serving as the first doge of the Republic of Genoa in 1339. He was a descendant of the influential Boccanegra family, known for their role in popular revolutions and their contributions to the Genoese navy.

Boccanegra's rise to power marked a significant shift towards a more democratic form of government in Genoa. He was initially elected doge, a position he held until 1344. After a period of exile, he returned to power in 1356 with the support of the Visconti family of Milan. His second reign ended with his death in 1363, traditionally believed to be by poisoning. The story of Simone Boccanegra's life inspired an opera by Giuseppe Verdi.1

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Boccanegra Family
…resulted in the election of Simone Boccanegra (1301–63), descendant of Guglielmo’s brother Lanfranco, as the first Genoese doge. Deposed in 1344, Simone fled with his family to Pisa, returning to office in 1356 with the aid of the Visconti, the rulers of Milan. According to tradition, he was poisoned at…
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…resulted in the election of Simone Boccanegra (1301–63), descendant of Guglielmo’s brother Lanfranco, as the first Genoese doge. Deposed in 1344, Simone fled with his family to Pisa, returning to office in 1356 with the aid of the Visconti, the rulers of Milan. According to tradition, he was poisoned at…
Read More