Bonacolsi Family

Bonacolsi Family, Italian family in despotic control of the cities of Mantua (1276–1328), Modena (1312–26), and Carpi (1317–26). The first member recorded in Mantua was Otolino de Bonacosa in 1168. His son Gandolfo became console in 1200, and his grandson Martino was rector (1233). The signoria (lordship) of the Bonacolsi was first established by Pinamonte (died 1293), who allied himself with other powerful families to eliminate his rivals and finally seized power by driving out...