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Giulio D'EsteThe illegitimate son of Ercole I d'Este
Date of Birth: 13.07.1478
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Content:
- Illegitimate Son of Ercole I d'Este
- Rivalry with Ippolito d'Este
- Forced Exile and Hatred
- Love and Conflict
- Assassination Attempt and Imprisonment
- Conspiracy and Failure
- Death and Release
Illegitimate Son of Ercole I d'Este
Giulio d'Este was the illegitimate son of Duke Ercole I d'Este of Ferrara and the married lady Isabella Arduino.
Rivalry with Ippolito d'Este
From childhood, Giulio was an implacable enemy of his half-brothers Giulio and Cardinal Ippolito, both of whom were brothers to Duke Alfonso I d'Este.
Forced Exile and Hatred
After the death of their father on January 2, 1505, Ippolito took possession of Giulio's prized court musician, provoking a dispute. When Giulio allegedly abducted the musician, Ippolito convinced Alfonso I to banish Giulio from the duchy and place him under house arrest.
Love and Conflict
A further quarrel intensified the brothers' hatred. They both fell in love with Angela Borgia, a cousin of Duchess Lucrezia. When Angela favored Giulio, rejecting Ippolito's advances, Ippolito became enraged and plotted to have Giulio killed.
Assassination Attempt and Imprisonment
Unlike his brother the cardinal, Giulio lacked powerful connections. When Ippolito ordered his soldiers to arrest and execute Giulio, he was helpless and defenseless. However, the execution was only partially carried out. Giulio survived, brutally beaten and blinded in one eye.
Conspiracy and Failure
Giulio conspired with his other brother, Ferrante, who had long desired to be the duke, to assassinate Ippolito and Alfonso. For unknown reasons, their plans failed, either due to incompetence or bad luck. Neither Alfonso nor Ippolito was harmed.
Death and Release
After the failed assassination plot was uncovered, Giulio and Ferrante were sentenced to death. The sentence was commuted to life imprisonment, and both brothers were imprisoned in the Este dungeon in 1506. Ferrante died at the age of 63, while Giulio was released after 53 years of confinement by one of Alfonso I's grandsons. During his imprisonment, Giulio had no contact with any members of his family.