Politics

City of Urbino

ederigo da Montefeltro, duke of Urbino: made fortune as respected and highly paid condottiere, or military general for hire. His historical claim to fame is his use of money to transform Urbino into one of the cultural centers of Europe.

According to his later reflections, Federigo had been educated "in all human excellence." He had a reputation for fairness and diplomacy, which gave him the support of the citizens of Urbino after his half brother, the count of Urbino, was assassinated. Federigo used his wealth to lower taxes, help the poor, open schools and medical centers, store emergency goods, acquire art, build a grand palace, and compile a huge library.

Guidobaldo da Montefeltro, duke of Urbino: son of Federigo who took over rule of Urbino when his father died in 1482. His historical claim to fame is continuing his father's advancement of culture in Urbino.

Though also a soldier, Guidobaldo was not as fine a soldier as his father, but he was fond of hunting and excelled at all sports. In addition, Guidobaldo was extremely fond of studying and learning. Over his lifetime he lost and gained Urbino several times, and terrible gout often slowed him down. Guidobaldo died in 1508 at the age of 36. His illness had made him prematurely old.

Battista Sforza, duchess of Urbino: wife to Federigo who was the daughter of Alessandro Sforza of Pesaro. Her historical claim to fame is her competent rule of Urbino during her husband's absences and her bearing of nine children to Federigo.

Battista was brought up in her Uncle Francesco's court in Milan and was known for her skilled Latin orations. She married Federigo at the age of thirteen. She died of pneumonia shortly after the birth of her ninth child and only son, Guidobaldo.

Elisabetta Gonzaga, duchess of Urbino: wife to Guidobaldo who was originally from Mantua and was sister to Francesco d'Este. Her historical claim to fame is her devotion to her husband and her virtue and goodness. After her husband's premature death, she did her best to help her nephew and resume her duties until she died in 1526. Pietro Bembo, a poet and scholar, wrote, "I have never seen or heard anyone who was her equal, and know of very few who have even come near her."