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Bernabo ViscontiRepresentative of the Visconti house, ruler of Milan from 1354 to 1385
Date of Birth: 01.01.1323
Country:  Italy |
Content:
- Bernardo Visconti: Ruler of Milan
- Marriage and Political Alliance
- Division of Milan and Conflict with the Emperor
- Defeat and Papal Reconciliation
- Territorial Expansion and Papal Conflict
- War of the Eight Saints and Alliance with Venice
Bernardo Visconti: Ruler of Milan
Early Life and FamilyBernardo Visconti, born to Stefano Visconti and Valentina Doria, emerged as a prominent figure in the House of Visconti. In 1340, along with his brothers, he attempted a conspiracy against his uncles, the ruling brothers of Milan. The plot failed, leading to their banishment from the city. Upon the death of their uncle Lucchino in 1349, Archbishop Giovanni Visconti, the sole ruler of Milan, welcomed his nephews back and designated them his heirs.
Marriage and Political Alliance
In 1350, Bernardo married Beatrice Regina della Scala, the daughter of Mastino II, ruler of Verona. This alliance strengthened the political and cultural ties between the two cities.
Division of Milan and Conflict with the Emperor
Upon Giovanni Visconti's death in 1354, the rule of Milan was divided among the three brothers. Bernardo received the eastern territories, bordering Verona. In 1355, after Matteo's suspicious death, Galeazzo inherited the western part of Lombardy, while Bernardo retained the east.
Conflict arose between Bernardo and Emperor Charles IV in 1356. The emperor's representative, Marquard von Rodeck, was defeated and captured. Bernardo was excommunicated by Pope Innocent VI in 1360, and Charles IV issued a decree against him.
Defeat and Papal Reconciliation
Visconti forces suffered a major defeat at the hands of the papal army under Galeotto Malatesta in 1361. Despite this setback, Bernardo continued his territorial ambitions by engaging in a war with the Gonzaga family of Mantua.
In 1362, Bernardo brokered a peace with Pope Urban V through the mediation of King John II of France. However, the Milanese ruler was excommunicated again in 1363 for refusing to relinquish papal territories. In 1364, he eventually reconciled with the pope by withdrawing from contested lands and paying a hefty compensation.
Territorial Expansion and Papal Conflict
Bernardo relentlessly pursued his expansionist agenda in the late 1360s and early 1370s. He waged several wars against the Gonzaga family, acquiring the city of Reggio Emilia in 1371.
His subsequent war against the House of Este, rulers of Modena and Ferrara, brought him into renewed conflict with the papacy. Pope Gregory XI excommunicated both Visconti brothers in 1372.
War of the Eight Saints and Alliance with Venice
From 1375 to 1378, Milan fought against the Papal States in coalition with Florence and Siena in the War of the Eight Saints. In 1378, Bernardo joined forces with the Venetian Republic against Genoa in the War of Chioggia. However, his troops were defeated at Val Bisagno in 1379.
