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Azzone ViscontiRepresentative of the Visconti house, ruler of Milan from 1329 to 1339.
Date of Birth: 07.12.1302
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Azzone Visconti, Ruler of Milan
- A Turbulent Succession
- Reconquest and Restoration
- Regaining Control
- Transformation of Milan
- Marriage and Legacy
Azzone Visconti, Ruler of Milan
Early Life and AscendancyAzzone Visconti, the son of Galeazzo I Visconti and Beatrice d'Este, ascended to the throne of Milan in 1329. Prior to his rule, he distinguished himself in battles alongside his father's Ghibelline forces.
A Turbulent Succession
In 1327, the Holy Roman Emperor Louis the Bavarian accused Galeazzo I of treason and imprisoned the Visconti family. Galeazzo I died shortly after his release, leaving Azzone with a fraught inheritance. Milan was under imperial rule, the city's signoria was dominated by opponents, and the populace had endured wars, excommunications, and heavy taxation.
Reconquest and Restoration
Determined to reclaim his family's authority, Azzone began by securing imperial recognition as viceroy of Milan in 1329. With the support of his uncle Giovanni Visconti, who became a cardinal under Antipope Nicholas V, Azzone re-entered the city and solidified his authority by appointing loyalists.
Regaining Control
To restore Visconti rule over other cities, Azzone promised stability and restored rights. Novara and Vercelli recognized him as their lord in 1335. He captured Lodi, a papal stronghold, and gained the support of several Avignon-aligned cities. In 1336, he used tax incentives to persuade Parma and Piacenza to submit. Brescia followed a year later.
Transformation of Milan
Alongside his reconquests, Azzone embarked on a period of rebuilding in Milan. He erected new walls and towers, created new squares and canals, and commissioned Giotto to design a new church and palace.
Marriage and Legacy
Azzone married Caterina of Savoy in 1339 but died without heirs that August. His half-uncles Giovanni and Luchino succeeded him as co-rulers of Milan.
