Milan - Ruler: Duke Francesco Sforza

Milan dominates the Po valley and is the strongest force in northern Italy. The Viscontis seized control in 1311, squeezing out the Della Torres family and establishing an expansionist tyranny, consolidating their grip on Milan with ever more prestigious titles: Captain of the People, Imperial Vicar and finally, in 1395, Duke.

The Viscontis were usually able but always despotic. By 1354, they controlled Piacenza, Parma, Bologna, Lodi, Bobbio, Cremona, Crema, Brescia, Bergamo, Como, Novara, Vercelli, Asti, Tortona and Allesandria. The family members warred and murdered each other but the city remained strong.

The only thing that has stopped Milan from taking over all northern Italy is the custom of dividing territory between sons, splitting three ways in 1354 and by two in 1402; the Visconti dukes apparently having no dynastic ambitions. The last Visconti died in 1447, leaving no arrangements for the succession at all. Francesco Sforza secured the duchy in 1450, taking his claim from his marriage to the last Visconti, a bastard daughter.

Duke Francesco is a remarkable man and he needs to be because the Viscontis loved ruling but not governing. Duke Francesco has had to build a machinery of state from scratch while fighting for his life and title. He was unable to prevent the French from taking Genoa but he is making moves to oust them and secure Milan a much-coveted seaport. Map