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Giovanni Maria Visconti2nd Duke of Milan; son of Gian Galeazzo Visconti by his marriage to Caterina Visconti
Date of Birth: 07.09.1388
Country:  Italy |
Content:
Giovanni Maria Visconti: The Cruel Duke
Giovanni Maria Visconti became the 2nd Duke of Milan in 1402 at the tender age of 13 after the sudden death of his father, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, from the plague. With his mother acting as regent, the duchy fell into disarray as rival factions fought for control, employing the services of mercenary soldiers.
Catherine's Downfall
Among these mercenaries, Facino Cane proved to be the most influential. He skillfully manipulated Giovanni Maria's suspicions against his mother, Catherine Visconti. As a result, she was imprisoned in Monza Castle, where she died in 1404 under mysterious circumstances.
A Tyrannical Reign
In 1408, Giovanni Maria married Antonia Malatesta. He became infamous for his嗜好 for hunting dogs, which he trained to attack humans. His cruelty extended to his subjects as well. In 1409, when a crowd pleaded for peace, he ordered his soldiers to kill hundreds. He even banned the words "war" and "peace," forcing priests to replace "pacem" with "dona nobis tranquillitatem" during mass.
A Conspiratorial End
Giovanni Maria's reign was marked by a growing number of enemies, who plotted against him. When Facino Cane fell ill and lay dying in Pavia, Giovanni Maria was assassinated outside the Church of San Gottardo. Before his death, Cane had ensured that his officers would support Filippo Maria Visconti as the next duke. He also arranged for his wife, Beatrice, to marry Filippo Maria after his own passing.
Thus ended the short and tragic reign of Giovanni Maria Visconti, a duke whose cruelty and paranoia left a lasting mark on the history of Milan.
