Sacchetti, Niccolò di Andreolo b. c. 1433

Career: General member of the Balia for S Croce, 1471. Member of the second half of the Council of 70, 1480. One of the 12 Procuratori, Oct 1480-Apr 1481, Apr-Oct 1482. Gonfalonier of Justice, Sept/Oct 1502. 1480 Catasto: sostanze 813 fl.

Ref: Bernardo Rucellai recommends him to be imbursed as Gonfalonier of Justice: 25 May 1485, MAP, 51, 312.

 

Sacramoro, Filippo Sacramori

Career: Born in Rimini, a nephew of Sacramoro Sacramoro. Milanese ambassador in Florence and a canon of the same.

Refs: Is to go with Antonio Trivulzio and Antonio Bracelli to Rome and Naples and to remain in Naples, the other two staying in Rome: Bona and G G Sforza to F Sacramoro, 6 Apr 1480, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 299. Instead of sending Cristoforo da Cambino as permanent orator to Naples, Milan will send S there: P F Pandolfini to the Dieci, 6 Apr 1480, Sig, VIII, X, 10, 174-5. The ‘ dukes’ will send someone else to Naples, which they know will please S: Bona and G G Sforza to F Sacramoro, 8 Apr 1480, ASMi, cit. Those people who wanted S sent as permanent orator to Naples also wanted Luigi Terzago sent to Florence: P F Pandolfini in Milan to Lorenzo, 8 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 176-9. Bona has now substituted Marco Trotti for S: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 8 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 175. Pier Filippo Pandolfini says he effected this change, at Lorenzo’s request; the idea to send S came from those who wanted to send Luigi Terzago to Florence; the Dieci are pleased that S is staying at Florence: Dieci to P F Pandolfini, 12 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 183. Pandolfini is pleased that he anticipated Lorenzo’s wishes concering S: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 15 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 181-2. The Otto consult S and the Neapolitan envoys about news from Costanzo Sforza of a plot to take Forlì hatched by the sons of Cecco Ordelaffi, with support from Carlo Manfredi and probable support from Ferrante: Otto to A Biliotti, 16 May 1480, Miss, 1a Canc, 48, 33 and Otto, LC, 1, 9. Although S’s salary has been raised from thirty to forty ducats a month, it seems he is still receiving thirty, which is not enough for him to live on and he has to get money from his family: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 30 June 1480, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, 2. Went with Marino Tomacelli and Guidantonio Vespucci to S Fiora when Ferrante’s giudizio about the towns was read, and it was he who persuaded Guido Sforza, signore of S Fiora, to admit them for this purpose; he tried to persuade Guido to give up his state, but had little success: G A Vespucci to the Otto, 13 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 247-8. Reported Guido’s refusal to Milan: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 18 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 263-4.

Bibliog: Cerioni, I, 219-20

 

Sacramoro, Malatesta Sacramori

Refs: Francesco Gaddi has the impression from Benedetto Ruggi that S is being a little over-industrious in his communications; he strikes Gaddi as over-diligent: [F Gaddi] to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 22 Oct 1482, Sig, X, VIII, 63, 168-72. As Milanese ambassador in Florence: 7 June 148-, Otto, Miss, 4, 64-5. Still ambassador in Florence: 14 Sept 1484, Otto, Miss, 3, 97-8. Gian Galeazzo Sforza instructs S to talk to Lorenzo and the Signoria about the seizure of Giovanni Biolchi’s silk: 2 Nov 1484, ASMi, Miss duc, 155, 252. Ludovico Sforza disliked Lorenzo’s open discussion of the Girolamo Riario question with S; Bernardo Rucellai surmises that this is because S has good contacts in Naples: 19 Dec 1484, MAP, 48, 274. Is still in Florence: 12 Mar 1485, Otto, Miss, 121-2. The Dieci send Lorenzo a copy of a letter to S reporting on Genoese affairs: Lorenzo de’ Medici to N Michelozzi, 5 Sept 1485, Lettere, VIII, 248.

 

Sacramoro, Sacramoro 1424-1482

Career: Born in Rimini, he served as chancellor of Sigismondo Malatesta, 1450-64. In 1464 he entered Milanese service and married a Milanese noble lady. The marriage was annulled so that he could follow an ecclesiastical career. Bishop of Piacenza, 1475-6; bishop of Parma, 1476-82.

Refs: Milan is sending S to reassure Ferrara concerning Venetian aggression: T Ridolfi at Milan to the Otto, 21 Nov 1481, Otto, Resp, 2, 55-6. Ferrara wants S sent on to Venice, but Milan is not prepared to approve this: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 5 Dec 1481, Otto, Resp, 2, 87. Is still in Ferrara: B Rucellai in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 4 Apr 1482, MAP, 51, 106. Is very ill; has been taken from Ferrara to Verona for a change of air: Z Saggi to Federico Gonzaga, 2 Aug 1482, ASMa, AG, 1627. There are varying reports about him; some say he is in the camp and some that he is not: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 5 Aug 1482, ASMa, cit. Died in Ferrara; it is said that he died of melancholy, having been caught plotting with Girolamo Riario to exchange Ferrara for a cardinal’s hat: 25 Aug 1482, Caleffini, 11-13.

Bibliog: Cerioni, I, 220-1

 

Sadoleto, Niccolò

Refs: Witness to the league signed between Sixtus, Naples, Milan and Florence, 13 Mar 1480: Lettere, V, 290. As Ercole d’Este’s orator, mentioned in the text of the league signed between Naples, Milan, Florence and Ferrara, 25 July 1480: Lettere, V, 293. Sent to Alfonso d’Aragona by Ercole at Florence’s request: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 19 Apr 1481, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 2. Has been to the pasha [at Otranto] to arrange an exchange of prisoners: M Trotti at Matera to G G Sforza, 5 May 1481, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 233. Is going back to Ferrara for a few days to settle his affairs and will return with his wife and family: M Trotti at Barletta to G G Sforza, 12 June 1481, ASMi, cit. Arrived in Florence to demand the subsidies and complain about Florence harbouring the Sienese exiles: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 16 July 1481, ASMo, cit. S arrived in Florence this evening: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 22 Aug 1481, ASMo, cit. Left again for Naples on 23 Aug. Nominated by Ferrante as his orator to Matthias Corvinus: B Rucellai to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 8 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 85. Returned to Naples from Hungary to report the terms on which Matthias was prepared to break with the Venetians: P Nasi in Naples to the Dieci, 11 Mar 1484, Dieci, Resp, 27, 136.

 

Saetia

Ref: Possibility of him being hired: 6 May 1486, Dieci, Miss, 7, 15-17.

 

Saggi, Zaccaria (Zaccaria da Pisa)

Career: For two decades, Mantuan ambassador at Milan, where he had good access to the dukes and their councillors. A rare lapse saw him expelled from the court in 1471. His extensive reports are an invaluable source of information about Milanese policy and policy-makers

Refs: Has not yet received any commission; this probably refers to the question of Lorenzo receiving the money Federico Gonzaga owes him: T Ridolfi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 21 May 1481, Sig, X, VIII, 4, 38-9; MAP, 48, 77. S claimed to have heard that Federico da Montefeltro was not taking the idea of a condotta with the League very seriously and was negotiating with Venice; he therefore suggested that the League not send special envoys to Federico; Milan agreed: B Rucellai in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 1 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 131. Another mention of S in connection with the money owed by Federico Gonzaga: B Rucellai in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 28 Apr 1482, MAP, 51, 129. S is ‘tutto vostro’: N Michelozzi in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 4 Sept 1482, Sig, X, VIII, 11, 7-8. Is returning to Mantua bearing a message from Lorenzo to Federico Gonzaga regarding the cash owed to Lorenzo: Lorenzo de’ Medici to F Gonzaga, 28 Dec 1484, Lettere, VIII, 92. Reports to Gonzaga regarding the cash Lorenzo is owed; is being sent by Gonzaga to Milan, where he can get cash to pay the debt to Lorenzo: 12 Jan 1485, ASMa, AG, 2901, lib 123, 12. Bernardo Rucellai asks Lorenzo to help S regarding his parenti, Pisan nuns: 5 June 1485, MAP, 51, 315. S is trying to get money for Gonzaga from Milan; if he succeeds he will help Lorenzo to receive what he is owed: 30 June 1485, MAP, 51, 321. Still Mantuan ambassador in Milan: 3 Apr 1486, ASMa, AG, 2902, lib 127, 2.

 

Salarolo, Gian Filippo

Refs: Sent to Florence by Giovanni Bentivoglio to see what Lorenzo de’ Medici had succeeded in doing for Bentivoglio at Naples; he wanted the Florentine ambassador at Naples to be Girolamo Morelli: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, 29 Mar 1480, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 199. Left Florence and was thought to be going to Alfonso d’Aragona to try to get him to favour Bentivoglio; Lorenzo thought he went with the duke of Milan’s knowledge and consent: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, 12 Apr 1480, ASMi, cit. S has returned to Florence: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, 19 Apr 1480, ASMi, cit. Went to Forlì from Faenza; both towns were in a state of alarm, fearing a coup by Cecco Ordelaffi’s sons: G F Salarolo in Forlì to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 19 May 1480, MAP, 38, 21. Went to Alfonso d’Aragona to discuss Giovanni Bentivoglio’s condotta; reported that Alfonso was getting his troops in order: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, 15 June 1480, ASMi, cit. Reported Alfonso’s views on the condotta and on billets for the duke’s troops: G F Salarolo at Buonconvento to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 16 June 1480, MAP, 38, 27. At Siena with Alfonso: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, 13 July 1480, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 300. Returned from Siena: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, early Aug 1480, ASMi, cit.

Reported various news, including the rumour of a papal/Neapolitan plot against Lorenzo, and the arrival of a Venetian commissary at Faenza: G F Salarolo at Bologna to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 6 Jan 1481, MAP, 38, 2. S expected to be sent to Lorenzo at end of month; meanwhile, he sends five barrels of olives: G F Salarolo at Bologna to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 7 Feb 1481, MAP, 26, 297. Apparently Lorenzo told S that Florence could consider Bentivoglio’s ricondotta once that of Nicola Orsini was out of the way: G Bentivoglio to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 1 May 1481[??], ------. Sent to Florence to collect Bentivoglio’s pay, but returned empty-handed: G Bentivoglio to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 28 May 1481, MAP, 38, 194. Reporting on the coup in Imola: G F Salarolo in Bologna to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 28 May 1481, MAP, 38, 192; for contradictory information see same to same, 31 May 1481, MAP, 98, 661. Costanzo Sforza was sending Antonio da Pardo to Bologna and S (sent by Bentivoglio) would come to Florence with him: G F Salarolo to Lorenzo, 4 Aug 1481, MAP, 38, 281. S has just returned to Bologna from his visit to Lorenzo and reported Lorenzo’s ideas on Costanzo’s future: G Bentivoglio to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 15 Aug 1481, MAP, 38, 288. Sends news about Girolamo Riario’s trip to the Romagna and asks yet again for the 100 ducats he is owed: G F Salarolo to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 5 Sept 1481, MAP, 38, 314. Apparently sent to Rome by Giovanni Bentivoglio to give assurances that the latter had no hand in the conspiracy against Riario at Forlì; from Rome S was to go to see Alfonso d’Aragona in the Abruzzi: G F Salarolo in Rome to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 2 Dec 1481, MAP, 38, 367. Has seen Alfonso in the Abruzzi and spoken to him about the towns: G F Salarolo from Naples to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 14 Dec 1481, MAP, 38, 373. Bentivoglio has instructed S at Naples join the other ambassadors in making representations to Ferrante about Riario’s desire for an impresa against Faenza: G Bentivoglio to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 28 Dec 1481, MAP, 38, 380.

Although he has discharged his mission, S says he has stayed in Naples to help with the problem of the towns disputed by Florence and Siena; he spoke to Ferrante ‘come instructo da Fiorenza’ about the need for a rapid restitution and thinks he was instrumental in persuading the king to reduce the figure of compensation from 40,000 to 30,000 ducats [subtext: Lorenzo and Bentivoglio suspect S has taken service with Ferrante]: G F Salarolo in Naples to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 14 Jan 1482, MAP, 38, 388. An account of what S has done in support of the towns’ restitution and in Bentivoglio’s affairs: G F Salarolo to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 20 Jan 1482, MAP, 38, 389. Has had a long discussion with Ferrante about his relations with Florence and Milan; talked with Alfonso d’Aragona about the money owed to Lorenzo and planned to leave, if he could, when Alfonso did so; he calls Naples ‘ameno e iocundissimo’ but the people ‘non troppo bona’ [in code]: G F Salarolo to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 8 Feb 1482, MAP, 38, 395. It is said that S is conducting secret negotiations at Naples on behalf of Bentivoglio, but Bentivoglio denies this, saying he sent him merely to congratulate Ferrante on the recovery of Otranto: B Rucellai at Parma to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 14 Feb 1482, MAP, 38, 91. Sends Lorenzo thirteen mascare: G F Salarolo at Bologna to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 20 Feb 1482, MAP, 38, 95. Sent to Urbino and Ferrara to explain Bentivoglio’s position: G Bentivoglio to E d’E ste, 13 July 1482, Dallari, 285.

 

Salerno, Piero

Refs: S, Roberto di Sanseverino’s Veronese representative, asked Filippo degli Eustachi why he was so hostile towards Roberto: 24 Dec 1484, MAP, 48, 277. In Venice for Roberto, Aug 1486: Lettere, IX, 404.

 

Salutati, Bernardo d’Antonio b. c. 1444

Career: His father was a manager for the Medici bank. Ran a company in Naples 1480-1. 1480 Catasto: sostanze 3,057 fl.

Ref: News from Rome that his bank has failed: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 30 May 1482, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 3.

 

Saluzzo, see Ludovico, marchese of Saluzzo

 

Salvadore di Orlando

Ref: The priors and gonfalonier of Montecchio recommend to Lorenzo the case of S and his brother Domenico: 18 May 1486, MAP, 39, 505.

 

Salvetti, Francesco di Giovanni

Refs: A Florentine in Naples 1480-1: acts of F Baroni, Not Antecos, B 583. The Dieci instruct Giovanni Lanfredini that, in S’s case, the wishes of the Florentine Signoria must be implemented: 28 July 1486, Otto, Miss, 5, 25.

 

Salviati, Alamanno di Averardo

Refs: Lorenzo’s interventions in favour of this merchant: Lorenzo de’ Medici to F Cambini in Pisa, 9 Jan 1484, Lettere, VII, 345; same to same, 26 Apr 1484, Lettere, VII, 389.

 

Salviati, Averardo d’Alamanno b. c. 1425

Career: Patron of Jacopo d’Andrea Pazzi as conductor of western galleys in 1459. Accoppiatore, 1474. Member of the second half of the Council of 70, 1480. Monte official, Mar 1480-Mar 1481. One of the 12 Procuratori, Apr-Oct 1481, Oct 1483-Apr 1484. Gonfalonier of Justice, Jan/Feb 1480. 1480 Catasto: the family have spent 2,700 fl on a chapel in the Campo Santo in Pisa, which they agreed to build with the late Archbishop Francesco Salviati; sostanze 3,679 fl.

 

Salviati, Bernardo di Marco

Career: Gonfalonier of Justice, Jan/Feb 1470.

Ref: Giovanni Lanfredini sees Antonello Petrucci regarding S’s private business: 31 Aug 1484, G Lanfredini, Copialettere, II, V, 15, 127.

Salviati, Evangelista

Ref: Involved in a tax riot against the Sienese regime and confined to Piemonte; Lorenzo gives him a letter of recommendation; is not trusted by current regime in Siena: ------, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, ---.

 

Salviati, Giuliano di Francesco

Career: The firm of Giuliano and Avarardo Salviati and Co of Pisa was founded in 1474. Member of the Otto di Custodia, July-Oct 1482. Medicean accoppiatore, 1492. One of the twenty accoppiatori in 1494. One of the most influential supporters of Savonarola. Gonfalonier of Justice, Jan/Feb 1498. A violent enemy of the Medici and the first to resist French efforts to restore them, though he was reconciled to them in 1512 and died in their service.

Refs: Lorenzo’s desire to help the firm of Giuliano di Francesco Salviati and Co of Pisa: Lorenzo de’ Medici to F Cambini in Pisa, 9 Jan 1484, Lettere, VII, 344. Follow-up to the previous letter: Lorenzo de’ Medici to F Cambini of Pisa, 8 Feb 1484, Lettere, VII 355.

 

Salviati, Jacopo di Giovanni di Jacopo 1461-1533

Career: m Lucrezia, daughter of Lorenzo de’ Medici and Clarice Orsini, in 1485, after a betrothal lasting from 1481; father of Maria Salviati (1499-1543), wife of Giovanni ‘ delle Bande Nere’ de’ Medici, and of Francesca Salviati (d 1546), wife of Ottaviano de’ Medici.

Ref: Was among those who accompanied Lorenzo to Cafaggiuolo for his meeting with Galeotto Manfredi: 7 Feb 1483, ASMa, AG, 2189. Writes to Lorenzo regarding a benefice left vacant due to death of a priest from the Giandonati family: MAP, 26, 351, 19 Apr 1485.

 

Salvini, Mariano di Giovanni

Career: Bishop of Cortona, 1455-77.

Ref: Giuliano della Rovere is very anxious that S’s benefice be restored to him; he is part of Giuliano’s entourage and Giuliano is very friendly towards Florence: G A Vespucci in Rome to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 15 Mar 1482, MAP, 38, 113. Giuliano had reminded Vespucci about this: G A Vespucci to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 21 Mar 1482, MAP, 38, 117.

 

Salvucci, Leonardo

Refs: Informed that he has been elected Florentine consul in Pera by the Sea consuls; he has been honoured not only because of his behaviour, but because he is persona grata with the Turks; the bearer of this letter will inform him of ‘what we need of you’: Otto to L Salvucci, 12 Jan 1481, Min, 11, 115. Florentine consul in Pera: 16 May 1486, Dieci, Miss, 7, 28-9.

 

Sancio

Refs: Giovanni Lanfredini asks him about the galleys for Florence: 11 Oct 1484, G Lanfredini, Copialettere, BNF, II, V, 15, 151. Naples is giving him to Florence to go with the galleys: 15 Oct 1484, G Lanfredini, Copialettere, BNF, II, V, 15, 154.

 

Sandrino

Ref: Soldier employed by Florence in the Pietrasanta campaign; Lorenzo decides Sandrino should be hired again, and should be sent to Livorno if the armata does not come: Dieci, Resp, 32, 367, 31 Oct 1484.

 

Sangallo, Giuliano da (Giuliano Giamberti) c. 1443-1516

Ref: Lorenzo wants the famous sculptor and architect to send his modello: Lorenzo de’ Medici to N Michelozzi, 16 Sept 1485, Lettere, VIII, 280-1.

 

Sangiorgio, Giovan Antonio d. 1509

Career: From Piacenza; related to Gian Giacomo Trivulzio. Archpriest of S Ambrogio, Milan; auditor of the Sacred Palace, 1478-9; bishop of Alessandria, 1478-1500; cardinal, 1493; bishop of Parma, 1499-1509. Together with Cardinal Michiel he mediated between Ferrante and the Neapolitan barons in 1486.

Refs: Has been appointed Milanese envoy in Rome for peace negotiations because he was already at the curia and this would save time; he is ‘persona prudente et a noi fidata’: G G Sforza to B Castiglioni, 26 Nov 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 241. His mandate to conduct peace negotiations on behalf of the duke of Milan: G G Sforza to G A Sangiorgio, 26 Nov 1482, ASMi, SPE, Roma, 91. One of the principal negotiators of peace between Sixtus and the League: J Colombini to Federico Gonzaga, 4 Dec 1482, ASMa, AG, 846. Branda Castiglioni describes S as ‘in la sua Paternita concorreno tutte quelle parte che se puono desiderare in uno prelate da bene’ B Castiglioni to G G Sforza, 6 Dec 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 241. Has written to the Milanese ambassador in Florence to say that the peace has been ‘ publicata, ma non stipulata’: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 14 Dec 1482, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 3. Has written praising Sforza Bettini: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 18 Dec 1482, ASMo, cit. Orders a minuta of the peace capitoli to be given to Gian Giacomo Trivulzio: 26 May 1486, Otto, Miss, 5, 3-5. Trivulzio is very hopeful that S’s peace initiative will work: 8 June 1486, MAP, 48, 350. Is conducting peace negotiations with Trivulzio: 12 Aug 1486, Dieci, Miss, 7, 85-7.

Bibliog: Cerioni, I, 222

 

Sanseverino, Anton Maria di Roberto di d. 1497

Career: Condottiere. m Margherita, daughter of Marco Pio of Carpi.

Refs: With his father and brothers Galeazzo and Gaspare at Castelnuovo: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 4 and 5 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 225 and 227-8. Is reported to have come over to the League: N Michelozzi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 29 June 1484, Otto, LC, 4, 50-1. Sent by his father to get the cash he is owed: 20 Apr 1485, MAP, 51, 300. One of Roberto’s sons who is fighting on the papal side: 23 Feb 1486, Dieci, Resp, 33, 395.

 

Sanseverino, Antonello di 1458-1499

Career: Son of Roberto di Sanseverino, first prince of Salerno, and of Raimondina Orsini del Balzo; m Costanza, daughter of Federico da Montefeltro and Battista Sforza in 1483. Prince of Salerno; grand admiral of the Neapolitan fleet from 1477. Captured by the Venetians at Argenta in 1482. After the Barons’ War he went into exile at Senigallia.

Refs: Ferrante accused Girolamo di Sanseverino and S of wanting a change of the regime in Naples, which they denied: B Castiglioni to G G Sforza, 14 Sept 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 240. Visits Fra Francesco d’A ragona: 14 Nov 1484, G Lanfredini, Copialettere, BNF, II, V, 15, 175. Involved in the question of a bishopric for ‘maestro Antonio’; according to Alfonso d’Aragona, S is ‘sensitivo et sinistro’; he is the son-in-law of (the late) duke of Urbino and the son of a great partisan of Ferrante: 23 Dec 1484, G Lanfredini, Copialettere, BNF, II, V, 15, 190. His brother is in Rome meeting Innocent: 9 Sept 1485, ASMi, SPE, Roma, 98. His arrest of don Federico d’Aragona, Antonello Petrucci and messer Empo: 29 Nov 1485, MAP, 26, 489. His men were compelled by royal troops to raise the siege of Ghifoni: 30 Mar 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 154-6. His military failures against Ferrante: 28 July 1486, Otto, Miss, 5, 25. Signatory of the baronial league of l’Aquedonia: 11 Sept 1486, Sig, X, VIII, 77, 235. Ludovico Sforza’s plan for an exchange of Girolamo Riario’s fief of Forli and S’s lands in Lombardy: 14 Apr 1485, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 4.

 

Sanseverino, Bernabò di d. c. 1485

Career: Son of Giovanni di Sanseverino, count of Marsico; count of Lauria by virtue of his marriage to Luisa, daughter of Venceslao di Sanseverino.

Ref: Signatory to the baronial league of l’Aquedonia: 11 Sept 1486, Sig, X, VIII, 77, 235.

 

Sanseverino, Carlo di d. 1487

Career: Son of Luca di Sanseverino, duke of S Marco; count of Mileti; executed by Ferrante for his part in the Barons’ War.

Ref: Signatory to the baronial league of l’Aquedonia: 11 Sept 1486, Sig, X, VIII, 77, 235.

 

Sanseverino, Federico di Roberto di d. 1516

Career: Cardinal, 1489.

Refs: Venice is seeking a cardinal’s hat for him: 29 Apr 1485, Sen Secr, 32, 143. The Venetians are pushing for a cardinal’s hat for him: 10 May 1485, ASMi, SPE, Roma, 97. Made a proposal to his brother Giovan Francesco, who reported it to Ludovico Sforza: 20 Feb 1486, Dieci, Miss, 6, 17-19.

Bibliog: Cerioni, I, 222-3

 

Sanseverino, Galeazzo di Roberto di 1458-1525

Career: Condottiere and Milanese courtier who m Bianca (1482-1496), illegitimate daughter of Ludovico Sforza, in 1490 and became his father-in-law’s right-hand man, much to the resentment of old Sforza supporters such as Gian Giacomo Trivulzio. In 1498 he took as his second wife Elisabetta (1481-1531), daughter of Galeotto del Carretto, marchese of Finale. An unrivalled jouster, Baldassare Castiglione described him as a mirror of knighthood. Presented with the Medici bank in Milan as his palace. After fighting for Venice against Ferrara in 1482, his allegiance to Milan did not waver until after the fall of Ludovico, who had entrusted him with supreme command of the Milanese army in 1499. Went into exile with Ludovico and returned at the head of his army in 1500. Retired to Innsbruck until 1504, when he reappeared in Milan and became a favourite of Louis XII, thereafter fighting on the French side in the Italian Wars. Killed at the battle of Pavia.

Refs: With his father Roberto and brothers Anton Maria and Gaspare at Castelnuovo: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 4 and 5 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 225 and 227-8. Negotiating with Virginio Orsini regarding coming over to the League: J Guicciardini in Ferrara to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 6 May 1483, MAP, 48, 317. Agreed to accept 3,000 ducats from Milan (having asked for 4,000); agreed to 12,000 ducats for war and 8,000 for peace, for three years: J Guicciardini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 25 May 1483, MAP, 48, 303. Milan cannot give S an estate, saying that none are available: J Guicciardini to the Dieci, 30 May 1483, Dieci, Resp, 27, 376-7. S departed with his father for the Bresciana; Ludovico Sforza gave him a provisione of 3,000 ducats in place of a stato: J Guicciardini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 30 May 1483, MAP, 48, 307. Sent a chaplain to conclude a deal with the League for himself and his brother: J Guicciardini to the Dieci, 9 June 1483, Dieci, Resp, 28, 17-18. With his brother Giovan Francesco, has come over to Milan: Z Saggi to Federico Gonzaga, 13 June 1483, ASMa, AG, 1628. Is expected to join the Milanese camp at S Secondo tomorrow: B Rucellai to the Dieci, 15 June 1483, Dieci, Resp, 28, 33-4. The Dieci are pleased to hear of the brothers’ arrival in the Milanese camp: Dieci to J Guicciardini, 19 June 1483, Dieci, LC, 5, 232-3. The Dieci are sending money for S and his brother Giovan Francesco: Dieci to J Guicciardini, 21 June 1483, Dieci, LC, 5, 233-4.

The Florentines do not know what to say about S and Giovan Francesco because they do not know all terms of their condotte: Otto to B Buongirolami, 5 Mar 1484, Otto, LC, 3, 26-7. Florence’s debt to Naples and Milan for his salary for the ten months from July 1483 to Apr 1484: Dieci, Resp, 32, 54. Much favoured by Ludovico Sforza: 27 Nov 1484, MAP, 48, 266. A secret deal after the peace of Bagnolo assigned to S and his brother Giovan Francesco the lordships of the dal Verme and Borromei: -- Dec 1484, MAP, 48, 267. Is in great favour with Ludovico, who says wants to make S the biggest man in the regime; Ludovico likes the fact that S has left his father and attached himself to the Sforza: 20 Apr 1485, MAP, 51, 300. Ludovico has made him captain of infantry: 25 Apr 1485, MAP, 51, 301. His rise causes the decline of Gian Giacomo Trivulzio: 3 June 1485, MAP, 51, 313. Is being used against Anton Maria Pico in the Concordia business: 1 Aug 1485, MAP, 51, 330. Ludovico’s closest counsellor: 22 Oct 1485, MAP, 26, 465. Everyone at court is very surprised that he is Ludovico Sforza’s closest counsellor because of the enmity between Ludovico and Roberto di Sanseverino: 2 Nov 1485, MAP, 26, 475. Is going to be sent with men-at-arms as part of Ludovico’s contingent: 16 Nov 1485, MAP, 26, 482. Present when Ludovico denounced Roberto di Sanseverino: 8 June 1486, MAP, 48, 350.

 

Sanseverino, Gaspare di Roberto di (‘Fracassa’) 1455-1519

Career: m Margherita ------. The impetuous nature which gave rise to his nickname led him into military action on behalf of most of the major and middling states of northern and central Italy in the course of his long career; in the first decade of the sixteenth century he also served France and the Empire.

Refs: S has not yet received his wife’s dowry and deserved better from Florence: Roberto di Sanseverino from Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 25 Apr 1481, MAP, 38, 152. Roberto mentions that when he agreed to S’s marrying Margherita, rather than the Pio girl, he thought he was gaining complete reconciliation with Lorenzo: Roberto di Sanseverino at Castelnuovo to T Ridolfi, 4 Oct 1481, MAP, 38, 337. S has been harassing ducal messengers and merchants near Tortona in an effort to collect dazi to pay his father the 16,000 ducats he is owed by the camera ducale; troops are being sent against him under Costanzo Sforza and Gian Giacomo Trivulzio: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 12 Jan 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 176-7. Has gone to Tortona to talk with Costanzo: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 27 Jan 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 202-3. Has had an audience with Louis XI, but received only words, and Francesco Gaddi doubts if Louis will do anything for Roberto: F Gaddi in Lyon to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 18 Mar 1482, MAP, 38, 115. Did not succeed in inciting Louis against Ludovico Sforza nor in persuading him to act in favour of Duchess Bona: B Rucellai to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 16 Apr 1482, MAP, 51, 123. With his brother Giovan Francesco, has left Siena for the Marche and then Lombardy: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 2 May 1482, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 3. Is impatient of any command, including that of his father: R Malatesta from the camp at Villa Traversaria to his orator in Venice, ser Roberto di Visci, 27 May 1482, Otto, Resp, 1, 279. Is rumoured to have died: Z Saggi to Federico Gonzaga, 1 Aug 1482, ASMa, AG, 1627. Is ill at Padua: 1 Sept 1482, Caleffini, 12. A Milanese spy reported seeing him in Padua with Ascanio Sforza: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 8 Sept 1482, ASMa, cit. Has returned to Venice from the camp: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’E ste, 13 Dec 1482, ASMo, cit. Ludovico Sforza is trying to cause a quarrel between S and his father Roberto: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 17 Dec 1482, ASMa, cit. With his father: 11 Mar 1483, Zambotti, 135-6. Alfonso d’Aragona wants S to be paid by Florence if he and his brothers come over to the League: J Guicciardini in Ferrara to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 23 Apr 1483, MAP, 48, 314. There is no hope of a deal with either S or Roberto at the moment: J Guicciardini to the Dieci, 24 May 1483, Dieci, Resp, 27, 362-3. Is ill at Padua; it is thought that when he hears of brother’s defection, he will go to Venice and then Mantua: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 13 June 1483, ASMa, AG, 1628. Is said to be joining Roberto at Pontevico with twelve squadrons and 1,500 infantry: E d’Este to Antonio da Montecatini, 10 Dec 1483, ASMo, cit. Is said to have gone to Crema: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 9 Mar 1484, ASMa, cit. Has gone to Crema on his father’s orders in an aborted attempt to test the loyalty of Lodi: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 2 June 1484, ASMa, cit.

Luigi Pulci reports S’s devotion to Lorenzo; he is sending a chancellor to Florence regarding the dowry: 28 Aug 1484, MAP, 48, 259. His intrigues in Imola and Forli; chats with a Sienese exile; has in his company Bolognese who are unhappy with the government of Giovanni Bentivoglio: 16 Apr 1485, Otto, Miss, 3, 128-9. With regard to S’s movements, Ascanio Sforza says that the dispute between Genoa and Florence was the cause of everything; Ascanio Sforza feared that the Sanseverini would attack Siena: 17 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 32. At Forlì he met with Lucio and Marcantonio Malvezzi, with Giovan Francesco da Tolentino and a Sienese, and at Imola with Girolamo Riario: -- Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 48. The Sienese who spoke with him and the others was messer Cino: 22 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 53. Has entered Rome: 30 Dec 1485, Otto, Miss, 4, 87. The troops that were with him are in Rome: Lorenzo de’ Medici to J Guicciardini in Milan, 30 Dec 1485, Lettere, IX, 95.

Bibliog: Cerioni, I, 224

 

Sanseverino, Giorgio di Roberto di

Refs: Venice agrees to exchange Ugo di Sanseverino, who they held, for Roberto di Sanseverino’s son Giorgio, who was held by the Swiss: 13 Apr 1483, Malipiero, 279. Has been exchanged: J Guicciardini in Ferrara to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 6 May 1483, MAP, 48, 317; J Guicciardini to the Dieci, 6 May 1483, Dieci, Resp, 27, 319-20. Fled from the Venetian camp to the League: 1 July 1484, Caleffini, 166. An illegitimate son of Roberto who has come to Milan for some armadure: 30 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 77.

 

Sanseverino, Giovan Francesco di Roberto di d. 1501

Career: m (1) Diana di Giovanni della Ratta, (2) Barbara di Gian Francesco Gonzaga. Count of Caiazzo from 1484. As the eldest of Roberto di Sanseverino’s many sons, he had a long and active career as a condottiere and joined Roberto in fighting for Venice in 1482. With his brother Galeazzo he deserted to the Milanese and remained conspicuously loyal to the Sforza until the fall of Ludovico.

Refs: Luigi Pulci apparently said that Florence could not afford to hire S: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 6 Apr 1480, MAP, 34, 307. Bona Sforza is pleased by Pulci saying that Florence cannot afford to hire S and hopes ‘you’ will keep to that: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 8 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 176-9. Bona wanted the business concerning S delayed, but Roberto di Sanseverino hoped Lorenzo would resolve the matter: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 18 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 183. After Pier Filippo Pandolfini spoke to Bona about the need to keep Roberto happy, she agreed to think again about S; Pandolfini felt that if Lorenzo helped Roberto, it would confirm him in his loyalty to him; if not, Roberto would turn elsewhere; Florence should, Pandolfini felt, give a reply about this soon, although they could delay the start of the condotta until others had expired: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 21 Apr 1481, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 186-8. Roberto continued to press Pandolfini about Florence’s hiring of S and Pandolfini replied that the Florentines were very busy with internal affairs; it seems that Naples offered S a daughter of the count of Caserta, plus an estate: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 24 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 189-90. Roberto felt he should discuss this with Lorenzo when he came south: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 29 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 193. Roberto is urgently demanding an answer about Florence’s hiring of S; Pandolfini thought he would take a refusal very badly: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 3 May 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 194-5. Although hesitant, Bona eventually seemed to agree with Florence’s hiring of S, saying that they could please themselves about it: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 7 May 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 199-200. Although Pandolfini tried to content S with words, he was becoming impatient: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 12 May 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 205-6. S has been hired by Florence, officially for 8,000 ducats in peace and 12,000 in war; in reality he will receive 8,000 in war, but it was published as 12,000 ‘per suo honore’: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 30 Sept 1480, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 2. S is sure to serve you well: Roberto di Sanseverino in Milan to the Otto, 29 Oct 1480, Otto, Resp, 1, 54.

He must stop his men from selling Florentine grain outside her territory, as it is damaging Florence’s gabelle and will damage the soldiers’ military reputation: Otto to G F di Sanseverino, 21 Apr 1481, Sig, Miss 1a Canc, 48, 212. Roberto di Sanseverino is complaining that Florence is not paying S properly: T Ridolfi at Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 2 June 1481, Sig, X, VIII, 4, 42-3. Tommaso Ridolfi has told Roberto that S will be paid what he is owed as soon as he gets his troops in order: T Ridolfi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 27 July 1481, Sig, X, VIII, 4, 62-3. S’s chancellor was arrested for slandering Florence in an intercepted letter: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’E ste, 31 Aug 1481, ASMo, cit. S wrote to his father that someone in the Florentine chancery had told him should look for another job; Roberto is displeased and feels the condotta should be renewed as it is not very large: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 20 Sept 1481, Otto, Resp, 1, 457-9. Ridolfi is asked to present Roberto’s case against Florence’s dismissal of S when he returns to Florence from Milan: Roberto di Sanseverino to T Ridolfi, 4 Oct 1481, MAP, 38, 337. Some of S’s troops have been evicted from their billets in Pisa; they must be reinstated: Signoria of Florence to the Captain of Pisa, 6 Oct 1481, Sig, Miss, 1a Canc, 10, 129. It was Bongianni Gianfigliazzi, on behalf of the Otto, who told S that he should seek a condotta elsewhere; Ridolfi had always assured Roberto that S would be rehired; he advises the Otto to renew S’s condotta on the grounds that Roberto always favoured Florentine affairs with Ludovico Sforza: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 7 Oct 1481, Otto, Resp, --, 9-10. A Genoese, together with his horse and goods, seems to have been taken by S’s men: Signoria of Florence to the Consoli del Mare and Captain of Pisa, 20 Oct 1481, Sig, Miss, 1a Canc, 10, 142. Because of the seriousness of the situation at Sarzanello, the Otto order S to go there immediately with his mounted archers: Otto tp G F di Sanseverino, 25 Oct 1481, Otto, Miss int, 2, 3-4. S was in the middle of celebrating his marriage with jousts etc; the Otto were annoyed at his reluctance to go to Sarzanello, but he did leave fairly promptly: Otto to A Pucci at Pisa, 26 Oct 1481, Otto, Miss int, 2, 6. The Otto are pleased with S’s promptness; Antonio Pucci is to thank him and give him hope of the renewal of his condotta, but without making any commitments: Otto to A Pucci, 30 Oct 1481, Otto, Miss int, 2, 8-9. Pucci has discussed the condotta with S and explained how difficult it would be to persuade the citizens to meet that expediture; S has a high opinion of the effectiveness of Lorenzo’s intervention, of which Pucci has tried to disabuse him: A Pucci to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 30 Oct 1481, MAP, 38, 352.

Milan wants Florence to ensure that S and his company do not come to his father’s aid; Tommaso Ridolfi pointed out this would be difficult, given the size of the Pisan contado: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 12 Jan 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 176-7. In return for all Milan has done for Florence, as soon as [Filippo] Sacramoro spoke to them this morning, the Otto wrote to Pisa to ensure that S’s troops did not slip away: Otto to T Ridolfi, 14 Jan 1482, Min, 12, 115. Milan is very grateful for Florence’s steps concerning S’s troops: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 20 Jan 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 190. S’s troops in the Pisano were inspected by Francesco Baroni, who was also ordered to tell S that he was owed very little and had been well treated: Otto to F Baroni, 2 Feb 1482, Otto, Miss int, 2, 53-4. S nevertheless joined his father at Montoglio in the defence against Milanese forces: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 7 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 222. Has secretly got his men-at-arms, horses and 3,000 infantry on board three ships and will leave for the appointed destination as soon as the wind is fair; not even the men know the plan and the enemy will be very surprised by this attack in the rear: G F di Sanseverino to Roberto di Sanseverino, 10 Mar 1482, Dieci, Resp, 26, 132. On 10 Mar three ships carrying troops, horses and arms left Genoa and may land at Pisa or Livorno; the troops are led by S, who is said to have 3,000 infantry with him; be on your guard and use Costanzo Sforza’s troops if necessary: Otto to B del Nero, special commissary at Pisa, 18 Mar 1482, Otto, Miss int, 2, 82. S’s three ships were seen at Rapallo eight days ago and are said to have left yesterday carrying 150 cavalry; Roberto Lioni reports that they have already passed southwards towards the Maremma: B del Nero, A Pucci and J Guicciardini, commissaries at Pisa to the Otto, 20 Mar 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 296-. Last night an allevato of S, Giovanni Alvisi, was arrested and examined under torture; he was carrying a letter to ‘Madonna’; he said S had about eighty men and no infantry and that he was going to Porto Ercole; however, a report from Rapallo says S has 250 cavalry and 400 infantry and that he was still at Rapallo on Thursday, so he could not have passed yet: commissaries at Pisa to the Otto, 21 Mar 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 297. A few days ago the Otto asked Federico da Montefeltro’ s advice about the dangerous activity indicated by an intercepted letter from S: Otto to L Guicciardini and P F Pandolfini in Urbino, 21 Mar 1482, Min, 12, 169. Of the three ships at Rapallo it seems two were empty and going to Sicily for grain, while the third carried less than 250 men in all; it seems unlikely that 3,000 infantry could have been embarked secretly; yet why would S have written this to his father if it were false?: commissaries at Pisa to the Otto, 23 Mar 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 298. S’s ships are off Piombino and it is said he will land at Barattoli, but it seems that only 300 men-at-arms are on board; the rumour of a larger number of men was put about to frighten Florence: Jacopo d’Appiano to Roberto Cini, captain of Campiglia, 24 Mar 1482, ------. Milan has intercepted a letter from S showing that he is raising infantry; Florence should look to protecting Pisa: B Rucellai at Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 24 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 50. The commissaries have restored all her possessions to S’s wife and sent her on her way; she will try to persuade him to obey Ferrante’s orders: commissaries at Pisa to the Otto, 30 Mar 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 325. A squadron of S’s troops has arrived at Monte Pescai in the Maremma and S is said to be following behind: F Cortigiani at Colle to the Otto, 31 Mar 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 330. S entered Siena on 1 Apr, his wife following today: P Ricasoli at V----- to the Otto, 2 Apr 1482, ------. He had four followers with him: Otto to B Gianfigliazzi, 6 Apr 1482, Min, 12, 189. Is in touch with the Milanese, who are suggesting negotiations with his father Roberto, through S: B Castiglioni to G G Sforza, 1 May 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 239. Has left Siena for the Marche, and then Lombardy, with his brother Gaspare: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 2 May 1482, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 3. Is impatient of command, including that of his father: R Malatesta to Roberto de’ Visci in Venice, 27 May 1482, Otto, Resp, 1, 279.

Milan is pleased that Ferrante does not object to the promise Milan made to S on his behalf: G G Sforza to B Castiglioni, 21 Feb 1483, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 241. Has indicated that he is ready to come over to the League: J Guicciardini in Ferrara to the Dieci, 27 Mar 1483, Dieci, Resp, 27, 191. It is rumoured that he wants to come over to the League to save his Neapolitan estates: J Guicciardini to the Dieci, 16 Apr 1483, Dieci, Resp, 27, 245-6. Sent to Virginio Orsini to say he wants to settle affairs before Roberto di Sanseverino leaves for the Bresciano: J Guicciardini to the Dieci, 24 May 1483, Dieci, Resp, 27, 362-3. Jacopo Guicciardini thinks S is sincere in his negotiations; has agreed to accept 12,000 ducats for war and 8,000 for peace for three years: J Guicciardini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 25 May 1483, MAP, 48, 303. Fled from his father’s camp; has been given some of the lands taken from his father in Milan’s condotta; his wife has been imprisoned in Verona, on Roberto’s suggestion: June 1483, Sanudo, Vite dei dogi, II, 362-3. Has come over to Milan with his brother Galeazzo: Z Saggi to Federico Gonzaga, 13 June 1483, ASMa, AG, 1628. The Dieci are pleased to hear of his arrival in the Milanese camp: Dieci to J Guicciardini, 19 June 1483, Dieci, LC, 5, 232-3. The Dieci are sending money for him: Dieci to J Guicciardini, 21 June 1483, Dieci, LC, 5, 233-4. Has arrived in Ferrara: J Guicciardini to the Dieci, 25 June 1483, Dieci, Resp, 28, 64.

The Florentines do not know what to reply to make to Milan about him because they do not know all the terms of his condotta: Otto to B Buongirolami, 5 Mar 1484, Otto, LC, 3, 26-7. Florence’s debt to Naples and Milan for ten months of S’s salary, from July 1483 to Apr 1484: Dieci, Resp, 32, 54. The Florentine ambassador in Verona tries to hire S, but Alfonso d’Aragona refused permission: 28 Aug 1484, MAP, 48, 259. Is highly favoured by Ludovico Sforza: 27 Nov 1484, MAP, 48, 266. A secret deal made after the peace of Bagnolo assigned to S and his brother Galeazzo the lordships of the dal Verme and Borromei; little government business is transacted in Milan in which S does not have a hand: -- Dec 1484, MAP, 48, 267. A letter of credence for Niccolò Michelozzi to S: Lorenzo de’ Medici to G F di Sanseverino in Milan, 2 Jan 1485, Lettere, VIII, 108-9. Is in favour with Ludovico Sforza for having left his father and attached himself to the Sforza: 20 Apr 1485, MAP, 51, 300. Is discontented because of the way his father is being treated and because his brother is given precedence over him, and because he has not been paid: 12 June 1485, MAP, 51, 316. Gian Giacomo Trivulzio is very upset that he is proposto to him: 16 Nov 1485, MAP, 26, 482. Sent by Ludovico Sforza through Tuscany: 21 Nov 1485, Otto, Miss, 4, 74-5. Ludovico is sending him with 100 men-at-arms: 7 Dec 1485, MAP, 26, 493. Part of the Milanese contingent going to Pitigliano via Florntine territory: 11 Dec 1485, Dieci, Delib, 24, 150. His arrival at Pontremoli: 23 Dec 1485, Dieci, Miss, 6, 3. Hired by Virginio Orsini: 3 Jan 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 88. His arrival at Pitigliano: 12 Jan 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 90. Writes to Milan regarding a proposal made to him by his brother Federico: 20 Feb 1486, Dieci, Miss, 6, 17-19. His letter to Elena Conti, countess of Pitigliano, urging her to start war; he sends it to Lorenzo: 21 Feb 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 113-14. Is refusing to ride as he has not been paid: Lorenzo de’ Medici to J Guicciardini in Milan, 9 Apr 1486, Lettere, IX, 232-3. His friendly relations with Piero Capponi: 15 May 1486, MAP, 39, 499.

 

Sanseverino, Girolamo di c. 1448-1487

Career: Son of Luca, duke of S Marco; m Giovannella, daughter of Baldassare Caetani dell’Aquila. Prince of Bisignano. His involvement in the Barons’ War led to the confiscation of his estates and to his arrest and execution.

Refs: Has protested to Ferrante that he is being considered a hostage at court; wants to leave for his estates to prove this not so; Ferrante wants him to stay and advise, but the king has accused S and Antonello di Sanseverino of wanting a change of regime, which they denied: B Castiglioni to G G Sforza, 14 Sept 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 240. Has finally been given permission to leave court; left today: B Castiglioni to G G Sforza, 16 Sept 1482, ASMi, cit. Will be Neapolitan ambassador in Rome: 21 Sept 1484, G Lanfredini, Copialettere, BNF, II,V, 15, 140. Replaced by the count of Altavilla for the Rome embassy: 26 Sept 1484, G Lanfredini, Copialettere, BNF, II, V, 15, 144. Visits Fra Francesco d’Aragona: 14 Nov 1484, G Lanfredini, Copialettere, BNF, II, V, 15, 175. His secretary is in Rome: 9 Sept 1484, ASMi, SPE, Roma, 96. The town of Moglonicho is his: 16 Sept 1485, MAP, 26, 441. Visits Innocent in secret: 18 Sept 1485, ASMi, cit. Has not come to Rome but his goods and his representative Montenero have done so; this is a sign that some of the rebel barons are weakening: 21 Nov 1485, MAP, 124, 9. His wife offered to betray him to Ferrante: 30 Nov 1485, G Lanfredini, Copialettere, BNF, II, V, 18, 124. His military failures against Ferrante: 28 July 1486, Otto, Miss, 5, 25. Is suing for peace with Ferrante: 7 Aug 1486, Dieci, Miss, 6, 72-3. His procurator Giovanni Andrea da Perugia signs for him the baronial league of l’Aquedonia: 11 Sept 1486, Sig, X, VIII, 77, 235.

 

Sanseverino, Ottaviano di Roberto di

Refs: Fled from Milan in disguise and went to his father: Aug 1482, Sanudo, Vite dei dogi, I, 287. An illegitimate son of Roberto who fled from his father’s camp to that of the Milanese: late June/early July 1484, Sanudo, Vite dei dogi, II, 444.

 

Sanseverino, Roberto di 1418-1487

Career: Son of Leonetto/Leonardo di Sanseverino, signore of Caiazzo (d 1420), and Elisa (1402-76), illegitimate daughter of the celebrated condottiere Muzio Attendolo Sforza. m (1) Giovanna (d c 1460), daughter of Giovanni da Correggio, (2) Elisabetta (c 1445-1503), illegitimate daughter of Federico da Montefeltro. Father of Giovan Francesco, Anton Maria, Eleonora (m Giovanni Adorno), Gaspare, Galeazzo, Federico, Giulio (m Ippolita Pallavicini), Sveva (m Bernardo Anguissola), Ginevra (m Luzio Malvezzi), Giulia (m Giovanni Tommaso Carafa), Ippolita (m Cristoforo Torelli), Ludovica (m Francesco Maria Torelli), Francesca (m Archembaud de Cholle), Ottaviano and Giorgio di Sanseverino, in addition to illegitimate children Alessandro, archbishop of Vienne, and Annibale. The most powerful condottiere of his day, he first saw action in the battle of Anghiari in 1440. From 1441 he served Francesco Sforza. The 1460s saw him active in Naples and France, but his career had a more exclusively Milanese focus in the 1470s. In the power struggles that followed the assassination of Galeazzo Maria Sforza, Roberto changed allegiance at the wrong moment and was driven out of Milan by the victorious Ludovico Sforza. From Apr 1482 he was lieutenant-general of the Venetian armies preparing to attack Ferrara and take on the forces of the League, including his erstwhile Milanese allies. Though his sons defected to Milan in the course of the War of Ferrara, Roberto remained loyal to Venice, but his Milanese connections made him a key channel of communication in the months before the peace of Bagnolo in Aug 1484. In 1485 he served the Church against Naples, Milan and Florence, but met his death in an ambush while fighting for Venice in the Tyrol.

Refs: S is close to Ludovico Sforza, though both defer to Bona: P F Pandolfini in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 2 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 169-71. Pier Filippo Pandolfini assumed S would resent Alfonso d’Aragona receiving a condotta and Ercole d’Este being granted the title of captain general of the league: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 8 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 176-9. Pandolfini spoke to Bona about the need to keep S happy, but her reserve suggested she had received negative reports about him; S had faith in Lorenzo, that is in being helped through Lorenzo’s influence: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 21 Apr 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 186-8. When Girolamo Riario’s agent, Fra Tomino, visited Milan, S was quite rude to him and hence, indirectly, to Riario himself; Pandolfini felt that Bona should trust her court more, particularly S; on hearing that, if Ercole d’Este were promoted to captain of the league, S wanted his previous position as captain of Milan and Florence; Bona advised Florence to go slowly in this matter: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 7 May 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 199-200. S had gone to Villanuova ‘e qui non ha quella autorità haveva prima et che gli pare meritare’: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 12 May 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 205-6. Since the affair of ‘monsignore Ascanio’, S had been out of favour with Bona; since he has gone to his estates he had been kept under constant surveillance; in the Ascanio affair, Gaspare Toscano was arrested and his interrogation at first entrusted to S; however, after Gaspare wrote to Bona, this was transferred to Antonio Tassini and Luigi ‘Berchetto’, and S immediately left for the country; Ludovico Sforza ‘non ha buono animo’ towards S; S claims his post was opened; if things continue as they are, S will do something disruptive or come to a bad end, and this will weaken the state; Ludovico was not the best person to solve the problem, as he was estranged from S; Pandolfini proposed Ercole d’Este as a mediator: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 13 May 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 206-7. Girolamo Riario claimed that Bona had been prepared to give Pesaro to one of S’s sons: Gian Pietro da Pietrasanta at Rome to Bona and G G Sforza, 24 May 1480, ASMi, SPE, Roma, 87. One of the Otto told Filippo Sacramoro that the Florentines were willing to contribute to S’s condotta with the League because they thought so highly of him: F Sacramoro to Bona and G G Sforza, 11 June 1480, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 299. At Lorenzo’s suggestion, Pandolfini spoke to Ludovico Sforza about satisfying S, saying that it was perhaps more important than they thought and suggesting a joint condotta of up to 45,000 ducats; the Milanese did not agree: P F Pandolfini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 13 June 1480, Sig, X, VIII, 10, 236-7. Trying to warn Riario off Pesaro, Anello Arcamone told him it might cause trouble, as S was unlikely to be content merely with defending it, ‘havendo l’animo grande et assai figluoli con poco stato’; in reply Riario blamed Ferrante for trying to take Pesaro from him ‘a stanza di Lorenzo de’ Medici et del S Roberto’: A Ridolfi to the Otto, 15 June 1480, Otto, Resp, 1, 21. S has been recalled from the Bolognese to the Milanese because of a troop build-up on the frontier between Milan and Venice: T Ridolfi in Milan to the Otto, 16 Sept 1480, Sig, Miss 1a Canc, 48, 158-9. His troops are collecting in the Tortonese for some action against Genoa, but S himself is still in Milan: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 18 Nov 1480, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 2.

Milan refused Ferrante’s request to send S to him on the grounds that Milan was afraid of Venice: G A Vespucci in Rome to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 26 Mar 1481. Complains that his son Gaspare had not yet received his wife’s dowry and that he deserved better from Florence: Roberto di Sanseverino to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 25 Apr 1481, MAP, 38, 152. Went to Villanuova; was due to go from there to Val di Lugana for six to eight days: T Ridolfi in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 21 May 1481, Sig, X, VIII, 4, 38-9 and MAP, 48, 77. Gian Galeazzo Sforza had ordered S, who is in the Val di Lugana, to take 150 men-at-arms to Bologna because of the coup at Imola: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 29 May 1481, Otto, Resp, 1, 286. Has the impresa [against the Turks?] close to his heart, but he would also like to pit himself against Federico da Montefeltro to see who is the better man; thus he will take it ill if Federico receives a condotta with the League: T Ridolfi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 2 June 1481, Sig, X, VIII, 4, 42-3. S is very much against any further leagues, partly because he is a soldier and partly because he fears Federico da Montefeltro would be captain of any general league: T Ridolfi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 7 June 1481, Sig, X, VII, 4, 44. Urges Lorenzo to persuade Florence to join Milan in supporting an attempt by Obietto Fieschi to take Genoa: Roberto di Sanseverino in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 4 July 1481, MAP, 38, 244. Was all for this impresa, whereas Ludovico Sforza was very sceptical of its chances of success: T Ridolfi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, Sig, X, VIII, 4, 19-20. On 1 Aug Gian Filippo Salarolo had written that he thought Costanzo Sforza had reached an agreement in Milan and that S was stopping at Bologna on his way to the Romagna; now it seems the negotiation has broken down and S is not coming: G F Salarolo in Bologna to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 4 Aug 1481, MAP, 38, 281. It seems that Louis XI wants to employ S; he has given a bishopric worth c 3,500 ducats to S’s son, who is in France: F Gaddi at Tours to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 17 Aug 1481, Sig, X, VIII, 75, 52-3. S protests against Florence’s decision to sack his son Giovan Francesco; S thought that he was reconciling himself completely with Lorenzo when he agreed that Gaspare should marry Margherita rather than make the Carpi match; S had always sided with Florence and stood by Lorenzo, even when it meant making enemies in Rome and Naples; Florence would never have got her towns back if S and Ludovico Sforza had not refused Ferrante subsidies; in 1479, when Naples urged him to move on Florence in the Pisano, S diverted the attack elsewhere: Roberto di Sanseverino at Castelnuovo to T Ridolfi, 4 Oct 1481, MAP, 38, 337. Tommaso Ridolfi advised the Otto that S always favoured their affairs with Ludovico and that, to keep on the right side of him, they should renew Giovan Francesco’s condotta: T Ridolfi in Milan to the Otto, 7 Oct 1481, Otto, Resp, --, 9-10. Louis XI is very attached to S: F Gaddi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 12 Nov 1481, Sig, X, VIII, 75, 59-61. S’s affairs are in worse shape than ever, but he may return to Milan on the basis of his accords with Pietro dal Verme, the Fieschi, Pier Maria de’ Rossi and Guglielmo Paleologo: Z Saggi to Federico Gonzaga, 12 Dec 1481, ASMa, AG, 1627.

S reminds Lorenzo that he owes him 900 ducats; he would appreciate prompt repayment, as he needs the money: Roberto di Sanseverino at Castelnuovo to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 2 Jan 1482, MAP, 38, 383. This is the residue of a debt of 1,000 ducats and is needed to settle with Manetto Portinari: Roberto di Sanseverino to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 9 Jan 1482, MAP, 137, 450. S has sent an emissary in disguise to Louis XI; he was given an audience and apparently received some satisfaction, but great care was taken to keep this secret, especially from the Milanese ambassador: F Gaddi at Tuais in Poitou to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 11 Jan 1482, MAP, 38, 75. There is a rumour in Rome that S has been hired as gonfalonier of the Church with Venice’s secret participation: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 15 Jan 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 184-5. Yesterday S fled from Castelnuovo, where he was being beseiged: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 4 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 225. Francesco Gaddi does not think the French will take too much to heart the news of the ‘sospetto’ of S: F Gaddi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 5 Feb 1482, Sig, X, VIII, 75, 62-5. About three days ago S embarked at Quarto, in Obietto Fieschi’s lands, with only a few followers and most of his sons: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 10 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 244-5. S’s emissary, Tommaso da Salerno, has arrived back in Venice: B Gianfigliazzi at Ferrara to the Otto, 14 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 249-50. Is expected in Siena from Piombino tonight or tomorrow: J Turrettini in Siena to the Anziani of Lucca, 14 Feb 1482, Registri Anziani, V, 147. Although he put about the rumour that he was going to Provence, he is heading for Siena with two of his sons: T Ridolfi to the Otto, 18 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 263-4. The Otto ordered the soldiers of Giovan Francesco di Sanseverino to leave, and they have gone to join S: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 18 Feb 1482, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 3. On 19 Feb Guidantonio Vespucci reported that S had been given 2,000 ducats: Otto to G A Vespucci in Rome, 5 Mar 1482, Min, 12, 144-6. There is a rumour that all Federico da Montefeltro’s titles are to be given to S by Sixtus: G A Vespucci to the Otto, 21 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 272. Girolamo Riario has sent messengers to S at Siena to persaude him to come to Rome: G A Vespucci to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 21 Feb 1482, MAP, 38, 97. Ferrante says S is trying to persuade the Sienese to refuse the restitution of the towns: P F Pandolfini to the Otto, 22 Feb 1482, Otto, Resp, 2, 277. Since the giudizio, the situation in Siena has been tense, particularly as S is there: Otto to P F Pandolfini, 22 Feb 1482, Min, 12, 143-4. There has been some resentment at the French court because of S, and messages have been sent to him; Francesco Gaddi thinks that when they hear he has no following and no credit, they will stop worrying about him ‘as it is not in their nature to back losers’: F Gaddi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 22 Feb 1482, Sig, X, VIII, 75, 65-6. Milanese reports from Rome say that S is going to join Venice: B Rucellai in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 23 Feb 1482, MAP, 26, 295. There is a rumour that S is in Rome: G Tornabuoni in Rome to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 26 Feb 1482, MAP, 38, 100.

S has sent to Naples to ask for aid and advice: P F Pandolfini in Naples to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 2 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 45. S will not be hired by Sixtus because of lack of money and because of his intolerable ‘natura e condictione’: Z Saggi at Milan to Federico Gonzaga, 4 Mar 1482, ASMa, AG, 1627. Guidantonio Vespucci reported from Rome on 1 Mar that Venice had given S a condotta: Otto to G A Vespucci, 5 Mar 1482, Min, 12, 144-6. Venice decided to send 5,000 ducats to S: 5 Mar 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 59. News of his family and followers in Milan: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 6 Mar 1482, ASMa, cit. There are all sorts of different rumours about S signing a condotta with Venice or Sixtus: B Rucellai at Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 8 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 85. Is driving a hard bargain with Venice: 10 Mar 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 70-2. S is still free; the Venetians want him to go to Venice before they conclude with him; Vespucci suggests Florence try to hire him, passing Costanzo Sforza on to Milan in order to get money for it: G A Vespucci to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 13 Mar 1482, MAP, 38, 112. News from Brescia that billets are being prepared there for S; Ercole d’Este heard that a Venetian bucentaur had been sent to Ancona to collect S: B Rucellai to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 13 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 87. S was due to leave Siena yesterday to go, it is said, to Buonconvento and thence to Venice, via Ancona: Otto to B Gianfigliazzi, 15 Mar 1482, Min, 12, 154-5. Milan has made offers to S, but he has left for Venice: F Sacramoro to G G Sforza, 16 Mar 1482, ASMi, SPE, Firenze, 304. Some at Milan feel S’s wife and children should be restored before they are requested, in order to avoid the impression of it being done out of fear; what does Lorenzo think?: B Rucellai to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 16 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 89. Gaspare di Sanseverino had an audience with Louis, but received only words; Francesco Gaddi felt that Louis would do nothing for S; Philippe de Commynes wanted Louis to support Ludovico Sforza, and Gaddi intended to support this when he passed through Milan: F Gaddi at Lyon to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 18 Mar 1482, MAP, 38, 115. It is said that S should be at Ancona today and that he has declared in Perugia and elsewhere that Lombardy will soon see great happenings as he intends before long to see the walls of Milan; the Otto have sent a copy of a letter from Giovan Francesco di Sanseverino to S: L Guicciardini at Fossombrone to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 21 Mar 1482, MAP, 51, 95. Luca Zeno tried to get the signing of S’s condotta postponed, but collected only twenty-one votes for this: 3 Apr 1482, ASV, Sen Secr 30, 69. ‘ Iseppe del S.re Roberto’ told Bernardo Rucellai that S is very displeased with Ferrante because the latter made no effort to heal the breach between S and Ludovico Sforza; Ferrante wanted Federico da Montefeltro as captain of the League and knew that there was such enmity between Federico and S that the former had tried to kill the latter when he was in exile: B Rucellai to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 7 Apr 1482, MAP, 51, 107. Costanzo Sforza hears the Venetians have given S his war prestanza: B Rucellai to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 12 Apr 1482, MAP, 51, 118. Supposed schemes to get S’s wife and children from Milan: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 29 Apr 1482, ASMa, cit.

Led Venetian forces into Ferrarese territory; took Melara on 1 May: Caleffini, 280; Zambotti, 104. Naples approves a Milanese suggestion that S be offered all the Venetian lands he captures, if he will turn against Venice: B Castiglioni to G G Sforza, 1 May 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 239. Had claimed to be able to reconcile Ercole d’Este and Venice: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 2 May 1482, ASMo, cit. News from Bongianni Gianfigliazzi at Ferrara that S has entered the Ferrarese with a large army: Otto to G A Vespucci, 4 May 1482, Min, 12, 241. Has taken La Melara: Otto to B Rucellai, 6 May 1482, Min, 12, 242-3. Captured Castelnuovo da Ficarolo on 13 May: Zambotti, 106. Orators appointed to take standards etc to S: 15 May 1482, ASV, Sen Terra, 8, 151. Bombarding Ficarolo: 25 May 1482, Zambotti, 107. Might take offence if his sons are put under the command of Roberto Malatesta: R Malatesta to R de’ Visci in Venice, 27 May 1482, Otto, Resp, 1, 279. Antonio Loredan has reported that Galeotto Pico has been acting as intermediary in negotiations between S and Gian Giacomo Trivulzio: 14 July 1482, ASV, Dieci, Misti, 20, 186. Is trying to persuade Obietto Fieschi to help the Rossi and assist Ascanio Sforza in a Venetian-backed coup in Milan: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 18 July 1482, ASMa, cit. Still has a fever; his sons are also ill: E d’Este to Antonio da Montecatini, 29 July 1482, ASMo, cit. Is sick: Otto to P Capponi, 14 Aug 1482, Min, 12, 466-7. Is very ill: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 26 Aug 1482, ASMo, cit. It is rumoured that S and Pier Maria de’ Rossi have both died: Otto to P Capponi, 1 Sept 1482, Min, 12, 518-19. Ferrante wants to try to win him over to the League: [F Gaddi] in Naples to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 22 Sept 1482, Sig, X, VIII, 63, 153-5. Conflicting accounts about S’s health; the Dieci want to know more: Dieci to B Gianfigliazzi, 5 Oct 1482, Dieci, LC, 5, 77-80. The Venetians are suspicious of him: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 12 Nov 1482, ASMo, cit. S ordered to come and consult, but refused: --Sacramoro to ------, 6 Dec 1482, ------.

The Venetians had sent envoys to him to urge him to settle the business of Ferrara; he is resolute for the continuation of war: 3 Mar 1483, Malipiero, 278. Approached Ferrara, contemplating an attack, but decided it was too well defended: 11 Mar 1483, Zambotti, 135-6. The Venetians allowed him to exchange his illegitimate son Ugo, held by them, for Giorgio di Sanseverino, who was held by the Swiss: 13 Apr 1483, Malipiero, 139. S wants to use most of his forces in the Cremonese to back the Rossi: J Guicciardini in Ferrara to the Dieci, 16 Apr 1483, Dieci, Resp, 27, 245-6. Is against any exchange of prisoners that does not involve his wife and sons: J Guicciardini to the Dieci, 22 Apr 1483, Dieci, Resp, 27, 284-5. Is saying he may come over to the League, if he could have the same conditions as Federico da Montefeltro had, a princedom in Naples and his Lombard estates restored: J Guicciardini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 1 May 1483, MAP, 48, ---. Is negotiating with the League at Ferrara regarding the proposal that he should have a condotta from them: G G Sforza to Alfonso d’Aragona, the legate and orators in Ferrara, 13 May 1483, Dieci, Resp, 27, 335. S wants to speak to Alfonso; it is said his reputation is diminishing daily and probable that the Venetians suspect or knew about his negotiations: J Guicciardini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 13 May 1483, MAP, 48, 300. Still wants to talk to Alfonso, but says will be difficult because he is closely watched: J Guicciardini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 16 May 1483, MAP, 48, 301. Terms have been offered by the League; what S promises to do in return: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 22 May 1483, ASMa, AG, 1628. Is going to the Bresciana; there is no hope of agreement with him: J Guicciardini to the Dieci, 24 May 1483, Dieci, Resp, 27, 362-3. Opinions differ as to whether he knows of the negotiations between his sons and the League; some say he is in trouble with Venice: J Guicciardini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 25 May 1483, MAP, 48, 303. Left with a few squadrons; lodged this evening at Ficarolo; his men, and then S himself, are going to the Bresciana: E d’Este to Antonio da Montecatini, 28 May 1483, ASMo, cit. Ordered to leave Lagoscuro, he went to Orzinuovi, 20 miles from Brescia; on his suggestion Giovan Francesco di Sanseverino’s wife was imprisoned in Verona when her husband fled to the Milanese: June 1483, Sanudo, Vite dei dogi, II, 362-3. Is in the Veronese at Isole della Scala: J Guicciardini to the Dieci, 2 June 1483, Dieci, Resp, 28, 4-5. The Milanese say S has no troops or supplies; Bolognese sources say he is giving money to his troops – thirty-six squadrons and 2,000 infantry – and preparing war materials; if he comes to Milan, he is expected to try to change the stato: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 12 June 1483, ASMa, cit. Has withdrawn across the Adda: Dieci to B Rucellai, ?25 July 1483, Dieci, LC, 5, 468-9 abd 474. Is withdrawing, it is thought towards Brescia: Alfonso d’Aragona to G G Sforza, 29 July 1483, Lettere inedite di G Pontano, 135-40.

Was reported on 23 Oct to be at Legnano with forty squadrons and 3,000 infantry: P Alamanni in Ferrara to the Dieci, 25 Oct 1483, Dieci, Resp, 29, 257. Has moved to Pontevico with over thirty squadrons and 3,000 infantry; his son Gaspare is said to be joining him with more troops: E d’E ste to Antonio da Montecatini, 10 Dec 1483, ASMo, cit. Has sent all his troops ‘alle stanze’; has gone to the Ferrarese and plans to go to Venice for consultations: B Buongirolami in Milan to the Dieci, 3 Jan 1484, Dieci, Resp, 27, 9. Luigi and Pacino di Vimercato plotted to kill Ludovico Sforza and restore Bona with S’s assistance: B Buongirolami to the Dieci, 5 Jan 1484, Dieci, Resp, 27, 15-16. Has arrived in the Ferrarese but Lorenzo says he has been informed that S is going to Venice: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 10 Jan 1484, ASMo, cit. Has not yet received his prestanza: P Nasi to the Dieci, 9 Feb 1484, Dieci, Resp, 27, 83. The Otto want to know what he has proposed to the Venetians: Otto to B Buongirolami and J Guicciardini, 9 Feb 1484, Otto, LC, 3, 17. Florence is pushing the idea of exchanging S’s family for that of Antonio da Marsciano: Otto to B Buongirolami, 21 Feb 1484, Otto, LC, 3, 22-3. Is in Padua, very discontented: P Nasi to the Dieci, 28 Feb 1484, Dieci, Resp, 27, 108. Is said to have gone to Bergamo: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 9 Mar 1484, ASMa, cit. Is at Brescia: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 31 Mar 1484, ASMo, cit. The Venetians want lands taken from S to be considered as part of those in deposito before any peace negotiations: Otto to N Michelozzi, 22 Apr 1484, Otto, LC, 4, 21-2. His wife is to be exchanged for the wife and children of Antonio da Marsciano: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 25 May 1484, ASMo, cit. Made an abortive attempt to test his loyalty to Ludovico Sforza: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 2 June 1484, ASMa, cit. His wife and children are to be exchanged for those of Antonio da Marsciano: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 15 June 1484, ASMa, cit. Sent David di Bascapè to Gian Giacomo Trivulzio as a way of reaching an accord with Ludovico: 23 June 1484, ASV, Sen Secr, 32, 53-6. His wife and children have been sent to his camp: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 24 June 1484, ASMa, cit. The Venetians are increasingly suspicious of him: N Michelozzi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 29 June 1484, ------. Neither Alfonso d’Aragona nor Ludovico Sforza trust S much; Alfonso says S was plotting to get the fortress of Lodi: N Michelozzi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 7 July 1484, ------. Ludovico says he has a pratica with Venice via S; the Florentines are ready to play a part in a condotta for S but not if it involves extra expenditure: Otto to G A Vespucci, 17 July 1484, Otto, LC, 2, 50. Is negotiating peace with Ludovico: Ludovico Sforza to M Sacramoro in Florence, 22 July 1484, Dieci, Resp, 31, 462. The Florentines are querying proposals concerning S in the peace; also proposals for the marriages of two of his sons: N Michelozzi from the camp at Bagnolo to the Dieci, 23 July 1484, Dieci, Resp, 31, 470-1. It is said that the Venetians gave S a completely free hand in the peace negotiations: N Michelozzi to the Dieci, 26 July 1484, Dieci, Resp, 31, 478-9.

S’s closeness to Ludovico Sforza: 9 Aug 1484, MAP, 48, 19. His condotta was signed today: 10 Aug 1484, MAP, 48, 21. Venice has promised Ercole d’Este’s estates in the Polesine to S: 12 Aug 1484, Dieci, Resp, 32, 29. He is very well disposed towards Lorenzo and wants to come to Florence and Pisa for a couple of months: -- Pulci to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 12 Aug 1484, MAP, 48, 256. Milan has restored Castel Nuovo and S Georgio in Vinelina [Umelina?] to him: 19 Aug 1484, ASMi, SPE, Venezia, 373. Is sending his chancellor to Florence regarding his dowry: 28 Aug 1484, MAP, 48, 259. Ludovico used S as an intermediary to inform the Venetian Signoria of his view that all ambassadors should go together to render obedience to the new pope: 19 Aug 1484, Dieci, Resp, 32, 187. As Venetian lieutenant-general: 21 Sept 1484, ASV, Sen Secr, 32, 93. Helped to persuade Milan to delay sending ambassadors to Rome: 15 Oct 1484, ASV, Sen Secr, 32, 99. One of Venice’s collegati and aderenti after the peace of Bagnolo: 22 Oct 1484, Libri commemoriali, V, 291. Involved in Girolamo Riario’s plot to take over Faenza: 4 Nov 1484, MAP, 39, 371. The Neapolitans have promised him the principality of Rossano: 6-8 Nov 1484, G Lanfredini, Copialettere, BNF, II, V, 15, 170. Nominated by both Milan and Venice in line with the peace of Bagnolo: 17 Nov 1484, ASMi, SPE, Venezia, 373. Venice is happy that he be nominated by Milan for estates he has in the Milanese: 24 Nov 1484, ASMi, cit. Alfonso d’Aragona regards S as the first man in Italy: 2 Dec 1484, G Lanfredini, Copialettere, BNF, II, V, 15, 180. Gian Galeazzo Sforza refers to him as the principal author of the peace: 9 Dec 1484, ASMi, SPE, Roma, 96. He is the instigator and mover of the Contughi plot to seize Volterra with the aid of the Genoese: 11 Dec 1484, MAP, 39, 400. Filippo degli Eustachi alleges that S tried to kill Ludovico Sforza: 24 Dec 1484, MAP, 48, 277. Informs Venice of the danger to Ludovico and to Gian Giacomo Trivulzio; he has always urged Venice to sign a league with Milan: 31 Dec 1484, ASV, Dieci, Misti, 22, 131.

The question of a cardinal’s hat for S’s son Federico; Innocent has given the son money for a legal case: 25 Jan 1485, MAP, 39, 71. Innocent informs Guidantonio Vespucci that S has designs on Bologna and that Ludovico Sforza is party to them; S’s negotiations with the podestà of Ravenna: 25 Jan 1485, MAP, 39, 71. His complaints about the way Innocent is treating him: 30 Jan 1485, MAP, 39, 243. Innocent has expedited the bull regarding S’s son: 13 Feb 1485, MAP, 39, 85. The Sienese exiles offer S the lordship of Siena in return for his help to return them there: 26 Feb 1485, ASV, Sen Secr, 32, 133. His hostility to Ferrante: 12 Mar 1485, MAP, 39, 103. The only man whose payments from the Milanese camera come through without difficulty: 19 Mar 1485, Dieci, Resp, 30, 507. The views current about where he will go; his son Giovan Francesco does not think he will go: 8 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 10. The smart money in Milan has it that S will not move this year: 13 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 20. Ludovico Sforza’s plan for an exchange between S’s lands in Lombardy and Girolamo Riario’s possession of Forlì: 14 Apr 1485, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 4. Has parentado with the Sienese exiles: 16 Apr 1485, Otto, Miss, 3, 128-9. The most commonly held view is that he is aiming to overthrow the regime in Bologna, or that of Siena, or that of Faenza: 16 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 27. Bernardo Rucellai reports from Milan that it is daily clearer that S is not going to move this year, for Venice has refused him licence to do so and has asked Ludovico Sforza to take the same line: 17 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 29. Giovanni Bentivoglio reports that has heard from Milan and Bologna that S is paying his troops, and that his man in Milan says that some there think that his target is Siena; G A Vespucci thinks that it might be Bologna, Rimini or Pesaro: 17 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 30. Ludovico Sforza is using Venice to keep S in check; meanwhile Ludovico keeps playing him along: 20 Apr 1485, MAP, 51, 300. Bernardo Rucellai reports that S’s expedition is less and less likely: 22 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 46. Views in Rome vary about where S will strike – Bologna, Rimini, or Pesaro – some saying he will exchange estates with Girolamo Riario; the majority think that his target will be Bologna; Innocent says that, as a Sienese was present at meetings with Gaspare di Sanseverino, Siena is likely; Innocent said that, some months back, S had told him of his intention to overthrow the governments of Naples, Bologna and Siena; he offered Innocent forty squadrons after the Orsini captured the Tiber bridges during the pope’s illness; Innocent is doing what he can to stop all this: -- Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 48-9. Is negotiating to marry one of his sons to the illegitimate sister of Roberto Malatesta: -- Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 49. S liked the proposal made by Sienese exiles and the idea of being signore of Siena, though some of the exiles did not; he is looking for anyone who is discontented with Florence or with the current regime in Siena; hence the meeting between Gaspare di Sanseverino, the Malvezzi and a Sienese; Innocent assured the Sienese ambassadors that he will do all he can to stop S attacking Siena: 22 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 52. Giuliano della Rovere told the Sienese exiles that Innocent will not allow the Orsini to attack Siena, as he does not trust them, so the answer is to use S: 22 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 52. His designs on Siena: 25 Apr 1485, MAP, 51, 301. Girolamo Riario is lending him troops and 50,000 ducats: 25 Apr 1485, MAP, 51, 306. S’s secretary, Lelio, tries to get two of the principal men of Perugia on his payroll: 27 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 61. Asked Ludovico Sforza to let him help the Sienese exiles against Siena, but then got news from Venice that they did not want him to undertake it, so he has cried off: 27 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 62. Is paying his troops: 28 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 69. Has made a great show and spent much money so that he chafes at his relative lack of cash: 2 May 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 80. Venice recalled S from the Siena enterprise: 11 May 1485, ASV, Dieci, Misti, 22, 166. Ludovico suspects him of trying something on with Innocent, Naples and Florence: 18 June 1485, ASV, Dieci, Misti, 22, 184. S backs one side and Ludovico the other in the conflict over Concordia: 20 June 1485, MAP, 51, 317.

S’s chancellor, Zannino, has been arrested in Milan in connection with the Sanseverino plot: 25 July 1485, ASV, Sen Secr, 32, 159. His lands and strongholds are being divided up among his sons, Ascanio Sforza, and Luigi Terzago: 26 July 1485, MAP, 51, 329. Terzago’s hostility towards S and his role in the latter’s downfall: 8 Aug 1485, MAP, 51, 331. The conspiracy against S: B Rucellai to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 26 Aug 1485, MAP, 51, 335. His chancellor Luigi is staying with Neri Acciaiuoli in Rome: 26 Aug 1485, G Lanfredini, Copialettere, BNF, II, V, 18, 53. The Neapolitan barons are dealing with the Turks, Venice and S: 28 Aug 1485, ASMi, SPE, Roma, 98. Writes to the Florentine regime asking for cash to be paid to Filippo da Nola and also the rest of his servizio: 8 Sept 1485, C Strozz, 1a ser, III, 115. Lorenzo doubts S will be quick to move for the Neapolitan impresa, for there is no evidence that he is paying out cash or preparing a descent, and it is not clear that Venice will let him go: Lorenzo de’ Medici to N Michelozzi in Florence, 11 Sept 1485, Lettere, VIII, 265-6. Lorenzo thinks that Venice will not let him move; S wants Filippo da Nola to receive a further 500 ducats from Florence: Lorenzo de’ Medici to N Michelozzi, 16 Sept 1485, Lettere, VIII, 277-80. The Otto thank the twelve Reformers of Bologna for information regarding S’s movements: 6 Oct 1485, Otto, Miss, 4, 68. Receives right of passage from Ercole d’Este: 10 Oct 1485, Otto, Miss, 4, 68-9. Lorenzo’s judgement on what his mandato had gleaned from S is commended by Milanese lords: 5 Nov 1485, MAP, 26, 477. Has arrived in Rome with forty-seven squadrons; Lorenzo’s debt to him: 11 Nov 1485, ASMi, SPE, Roma, 99. One of the terms of the negotiation between Ferrante and Innocent is that S recieve a lordship in the Regno: 26 Nov 1485, MAP, 26, 487. His troops parade in Rome, twenty-nine squadrons of sixteen to eighteen men-at-arms each and 600 infantry: 27 Dec 1485, ASMi, SPE, Roma, cit. Various payments to him by the Dieci in 1485-6: Dieci, Delib, 30, 180-4.

His condotta with Innocent is 60,000 ducats p a: 9 Jan 1486, MAP, 26, 313. He has issued forth with his troops: Lorenzo de’ Medici to J Guicciardini in Milan, 11 Jan 1486, Lettere, IX, 116-17. Has pitched camp at Monterotondo: Lorenzo de’ Medici to J Guicciardini, 14 Jan 1486, Lettere, IX, 126. His emissary Fra Ludovico demands for him the principality of Rossano and Manfredonia as part of the price for an accord: 30 Jan 1486, Dieci, Resp, 33, 248. Goes to Viterbo to give more reputation to his son Federico who is aspiring to the cardinalate: 3 Feb 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 97-8. Is very discontented that he cannot get his son nominated a cardinal: 19 Feb 1486, ASMi, SPE, Roma, 99. Giuliano della Rovere refuses to make S’s son a cardinal: 12 Mar 1486, Dieci, Resp, 33, 520. His peace proposals; Innocent’s distrust of him: Lorenzo de’ Medici to N Michelozzi in Florence, 17 May 1486, Lettere, IX, 295. Is using Lucio Malvezzi to put forward his peace proposals: Lorenzo de’ Medici to J Guicciardini in Milan, 26 May 1486, Lettere, IX, 309-10. Innocent is worried that S will make peace: Lorenzo de’ Medici to J Guicciardini, 8 June 1486, Lettere, IX, 326. Lorenzo’s letter of 4 June to Jacopo Guicciardini indicates he thinks that S will do what Florence wants: 8 June 1486, MAP, 48, 350. Has gone to Rome with a few cavalry, leaving the bulk of his men at Monte Ruosi: Lorenzo de’ Medici to J Guicciardini, 22 June 1486, Lettere, IX, 343. Is assembling the Feltreschi men-at-arms from Rimini and Pesaro: 7 Aug 1486, Dieci, Miss, 6, 72-3. His army is growing: 11 Aug 1486, Dieci, Miss, 6, 73-4. Niccolò Bucciardo Cibo told S to leave the Papal States immediately and not enter those of the League or its allies: P Capponi to the Dieci, 14 Aug 1486, Dieci, Resp, 37, 92. Pursued by the League army towards Cesena; has promised the rebel barons he will come to the Regno and urged René, duke of Lorraine, to descend on Italy despite the peace terms: 29 Aug 1486, Dieci, Miss, 6, 75-6. Is at Sogliano, where he has asked the signore for 12,000 ducats: 6 Sept 1486, Dieci, Miss, 6, 77. Refused victuals by Bologna, having dismissed the bulk of his forces: 13 Sept 1486, Dieci, Miss, 6, 77-80.

Bibliog: L Funi, Roberto Sanseverino all’impresa di Napoli per Ferdinand I, Milan, 1912; C Porzio, La congiura dei Baroni, Naples, 1859; P L Rambaldi, ‘La battaglia di Calliano e la morte di Roberto Sanseverino’, Archivio Trentino XV, 1900

 

Sanseverino, Ugo d’Almerico di d. 1500

Career: Although he fought for Florence in the Pazzi War, his most consistent military service was with Milan, including during the War of Ferrara. Captured by the Venetians at the rout of Argenta, 1482.

Refs: Deprived of his fief of Pandino for conspiring against Milan in Venice: G G Sforza to E d’Este, 19 Oct 1481, ASMi, SPE, Ferrara, 326. Arrived in Ferrara, having fled from the Venetian camp with 100 men-at-arms, after making an agreement with Milan: 28 May 1482, Caleffini, 300. With Ercole d’Este in the attack on Roberto di Sanseverino at Punta di Ficarolo: 5 June 1482, Caleffini, 302-3. Has been sent to conclude an agreement with Sigismund of Austria on behalf of the League: Z Saggi to Federico Gonzaga, 24 June 1482, ASMa, AG, 1627. Is to be sent to the Ferrarese with 60 men-at-arms: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 9 Oct 1482, ASMa, cit. Ludovico Sforza says he is sending five squadrons to the Ferrarese from the Cremonese, and S with three squadrons: Z Saggi to F Gonzaga, 13 Oct 1482, ASMa, cit. Unsuccessful talks regarding the exchange of prisoners and hostages, including S: 28 Jan 1483, Caleffini, 60. The Venetians agree to exchange S for Giorgio di Sanseverino, as Giorgio’s father Roberto requested: 13 Apr 1483, Malipiero, 279. Has been exchanged: J Guicciardini to the Dieci, 6 May 1483, Dieci, Resp, 27, 319-20. Returned from the Venetian camp, saying Roberto di Sanseverino is ready to come over to the League: J Guicciardini to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 6 May 1483, MAP, 48, 317.

 

Santa Croce, Giorgio

Refs: Procurator of the Orsini for their condotta with Florence and Milan: 2 Nov 1485, Dieci, Delib, 30, 113. Procurator of the Orsini: 8 Nov 1485, Otto, Miss, 3, 174-5. Lorenzo is to get quittance from S acknowledging payment of letters of exchange from Milan as part of Ludovico Sforza’a contribution: 14 Nov 1485, MAP, 26, 480. Antonio Rucellai is his mandatory: 18 Nov 1485, Otto, Miss, 4, 73-4.

 

Santa Croce, Giuliano di Luca da

Ref: The Otto have ordered him to go from Pisa to the port where there are three ships to transport infantry: 22 Apr 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 186.

 

Santi, ser

Ref: Chancellor of Guido Sforza of S Fiore: Lorenzo de’ Medici to P F Pandolfini in Naples, 25 Jan 1482, Lettere, VI, 230.

 

Santi Sancti

Ref: A rebel priest of Fivizzano trying to regain the church that was taken away from him: 10 Jan 1485, Dieci, Resp, 30, 96.

 

Santi da Curcumello

Refs: Procurator of the Orsini for their condotta: 2 Nov 1485, Dieci, Delib, 30, 113. Mandatory of Virginio and Nicola Orsini in Florence: 8 Feb 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 100-1. Cancelliere of Virginio Orsini, the purpose of whose mission to Florence is to solicit the dispatch of 3,000 infantry: Lorenzo de’ Medici to J Guicciardini in Milan, 10 Feb 1486, Lettere, IX, 167. The Otto pay him a large sum: 8 Mar 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 130-1. Chancellor of Guido Sforza, count of S Fiora: 7 Apr 1486, Otto, Miss, 4, 162-4. His letter to Lorenzo regarding the needs of the Orsini: Lorenzo de’ Medici to N Michelozzi, 13 May 1486, Lettere, IX, 288.

 

Santo delle Vallesi, fra

Ref: An Augustinian friar who, by force, took control of the convent of S Antonio del Bosco and captured the provincial of the Order: Lettere, VII, 349.

 

Sanuto, Francesco

Refs: Lent money to the Venetian Senate to help provide reinforcements for the fleet: 3 July 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 109. As Savio del Consiglio, S opposed a Venetian state reception for Ascanio Sforza, but was defeated: 29 July 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 105. Voted for no change to the Torelli condotta: 17 Aug 1482, ASV, Sen Secr, 30, 109. With Federico Corner, appointed provveditore for the fresh attack on Ferrara: 9 Oct 1482, ASV, Sen Secr 30, 126-7.

 

Sanuto, Marco c. 1445-1505

Career: Venetian patrician and man of letters who held a sequence of senior offices in the last decade of his life.

Ref: Elected to investigate the matter of the Polesine confini: 21 Sept 1484, ASV, Sen Secr, 32, 93.

Bibliog: King, Venetian humanism, 431-2

 

Saracini, Orlando

Refs: Sienese ambassador to Naples in 1481: Lettere, VI, 83-5. Sienese ambassador to Milan: 15 Sept 1484, MAP, 39, 328. Sienese ambassador to Milan and to Alfonso d’Aragona: 27 Sept 1484, ASS, Conc, 2417, 55. Lorenzo talks with the Sienese ambassadors to Florence, Ricco Ricchi and S, regarding the dispute between Chianciano and Montepulciano: 29 Sept 1484, ASS, Balia, 520, 27.

 

Saragossa

Ref: The Dieci do not think it necessary to use his galleys: 24 May 1486, Dieci, Miss, 7, 40-1.

 

Saragniola, Pier Antonio di Giovanni

Ref: With Jacopo Petrucci, one of the new Sienese Signori elected for Jan and Feb 1482: ASS, Conc, Delib, 692.

 

Sassetti, Cosimo di Francesco 1463-1527

Career: A tactless and presumptuous youth who joined Medici service in the Lyon branch of the bank about 1480. Was involved in the scandal surrounding the mismanagement by Lionetto de’ Rossi, who suspected him of being a spy for his father. After the departure of Rossi he continued to serve as assistant manager to Lorenzo Spinelli.

Refs: Of S’s arrival: Lorenzo de’ Medici to Lionetto de’ Rossi, 4 Aug 1484, MAP, 39, 276. Rossi’s suspicions about S: L Spinelli to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 11 Feb 1485, MAP, 39, 83. Rossi sends him to Lorenzo in Florence where, according to Rossi, he slanders him: Lionetto de’ Rossi to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 21 Mar 1485, MAP, 39, 291. Pressures Lorenzo to give a good reply to the embassy coming on behalf of René, duke of Lorraine: C Sassetti to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 6 Apr 1486, MAP, 39, 459. His poor relations with Lorenzo Spinelli: 4 Aug 1486, MAP, 39, 539.

Bibliog: De Roover, Rise and decline

 

Sassetti, Francesco 1421-1490

Career: Medici bank manager and patron of the arts. m Mera di Piero Corsi in 1458, his father-in-law having been manager of the Medici silk shops in the 1430s; father of Cosimo Sassetti. Entered the service of Cosimo de’ Medici in his teens. Matriculated in the Cambio guild. His service to the Medici saw him as a factor in Avignon, from where he moved to Geneva before 1453 while continuing to have a partnership in the Avignon branch. Manager in Geneva, 1448-59. General member of the Balia for S Maria Novella, 1471. Conductor of the Catalonia galleys due to depart in Mar 1474. Master of the Zecca, Mar-Sept 1482. As manager of the Florentine tavola he kept a less tight hold on the branch managers than Cosimo de’ Medici had done and even in his private account books a dangerous laxity can be seen creeping in. He seems to have devoted less and less time to business and more to lavish entertainment and cultural patronage. He had a considerable library of classical works and compiled a chronicle or history of Florence up to 1311. Built the present Villa Acton. In 1475 he commissioned major fresco cycles in his palaces at Moniughi and at the church of S Trinita in Florence. In the latter, Ghirlandaio depicted him on Lorenzo’s left hand. He withdrew his patronage from S Maria Novella after the Dominicans refused to allow him to put up a fresco of St Francis, his patron saint, and the Tornabuoni took over. His tomb (1485-91) in S Trinita is attributed to Giuliano da Sangallo. Antonio Rossellino’s portrait bust of him is now in the Bargello. 1480 Catasto: sostanze 6,415 fl.

Refs: Lionetto de Rossi’s complaints about S: L Spinelli to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 11 Feb 1485, MAP 39, 83. Concerning Lorenzo’s orders: F Sassetti to A Tuardi in Venice, 25 Mar 1485, MAP 39, 74. He and Lorenzo send Agostino Biliotti to Lyon to clear up the Medici branch there after Lionetto de’ Rossi: 11 July 1485, Sig, Miss 1a Conc, 49, 144. Arrives at the Medici palace to find Lorenzo gone: 4 Sept 1485, MAP 26, 423. Niccolò Michelozzi is to see S and Giovanni Tornabuoni regarding the matter of Agnolo Serragli in Naples: Lorenzo de’ Medici to N Michelozzi, 18 Sept 1485, Lettere, IX, 285. He and Tornabuoni examine the Lyon books: 24 Sept 1485, MAP 26, 449. Antonio Mellini complains that S has been slandering him: 8 Dec 1485, MAP 26, 494. His poor relations with Lorenzo Spinelli: 4 Aug 1486, MAP 39, 539.

Bibliog: De Roover, Rise and decline

 

Sauli, Pasquale

Ref: Genoese ambassador in Rome: May/June 1485, Dieci, Miss, 23, 109.

 

Savelli, Antonello c. 1450-1498

Career: Signore of Albano, which was repeatedly confiscated by the papacy as punishment for his rebellions. One of the most militarily active Savelli of his generation, he was particularly prominent as an ally of the Colonna during the early 1480s.

Ref: At Palombara, from where he is raiding around Rome: G F Cagnola to G G Sforza, 11 Nov 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 241.

 

Savelli, Antonio

Refs: Condottiere with the League: 16 Aug 1484, MAP, 48, 27. He and another Savelli were ordered by Ferrante to move to the frontiers: 27 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 61. Attacked men-at-arms who had gone with Paolo Orsini and captured Paolo Vitelli: 7 Aug 1486, Dieci, Miss, 6, 72-3.

 

Savelli, Battista d. 1513

Career: Son of Nicola Savelli, signore of Palombara; brother of Mariano and Cardinal Giovanni Battista Savelli. Less conspicuous than Mariano as a soldier, though he did accompany Julius II to Perugia and Bologna in 1506. Died in battle.

Refs: Raiding near Rome: G F Cagnola to G G Sforza, 11 Nov 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 241. Neapolitan troops are to be sent to Palombara because things are going well; S has occupied Castel Giubileo, within four miles of Rome: [F Gaddi] in Naples to P Capponi, 14 Nov 1482, Sig, X, VIII, 63, 179-81. Milan would like to satisfy S, but already has too many men-at-arms: G G Sforza to B Castiglioni, 16 Feb 1483, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 241.

 

Savelli, Bernardino, da Palombara

Refs: Has a pratica in Todi which is bearing fruit: [F Gaddi] in Naples to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 22 Oct 1482, Sig, X, VIII, 63, 168-72. Has received a condotta from Ferrante; in the past few days he took Cretone from the ‘cavaliere’ Pier Giovanni Savelli: G F Cagnola to G G Sforza, 11 Nov 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 241.

 

Savelli, Filippo di Pandolfo d. 1484

Ref: At Palombara, from where he is raiding around Rome: G F Cagnola to G G Sforza, 11 Nov 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 241.

 

Savelli, Giovanni di Pandolfo d. 1498

Career: Brother of Luca. Signore of Rignano Flaminio. His varied military career included fighting for the Venetians during the War of Ferrara and periodically taking up the traditional Savelli cause of allying with the Colonna against the Orsini.

Refs: Nicola Orsini is trying to persuade S to come over to the League; S may do so, if he can without dishonour: J Guicciardini in Ferrara to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 1 May 1483, MAP, 48. News has arrived in Rome that S was captured in late Oct: ambassadors of the League in Rome, 7 Nov 1483, Dieci, Resp, 29, 289-91. A condottiere with the League: 16 Aug 1484, MAP, 48, 27. The question of hiring ‘ Savello’ is discussed by Guidantonio Vespucci [though it may mean Antonio Savelli]: 12 Jan 1485, MAP, 39, 60. Rebels against Innocent and defends Rignano against him: 4 Mar 1485, Dieci, Resp, 30, 387. A parente of Nicola Orsini: 9 Mar 1485, Dieci, Resp, 33, 488. Comes to Rome with a safeconduct from Giovanni della Rovere, Prefect of the city: 8 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 15. Has returned swiftly to Rignano, so Vespucci thinks that Innocent must be thinking of besieging him: 17 Apr 1485, Dieci, Resp, 34, 30. Seized the property of Florentine merchants; the Otto thank the community of Abbatia for getting it back: 12 Oct 1485, Otto, Miss, 4, 70. The Otto request the return of the property he seized: 12 Oct 1485, Otto, Miss, 4, 71.

 

Savelli, Giovanni Battista, cardinal 1428-1498

Career: Son of Nicola Savelli, signore of Palombara; brother of Mariano and Battista Savelli. Papal governor of Perugia (1466-8), Ravenna (1468-70), Bologna (1470), Todi (1478), and Città di Castello (1479); cardinal 1480; legate to Genoa (1481), Perugia (1482) and Bologna (1484). With his brother Mariano and ally Cardinal Giovanni Colonna, imprisoned by Sixtus in Castel S Angelo, 1482-3, for conspiring with the pope’s Neapolitan enemies.

Refs: Had been a great influence on Sixtus and is opposed to Girolamo Riario’s visit to Venice; he may be able to stop it; Ludovico Sforza regards S as a great friend of Milan: T Ridolfi in Milan to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 22 Aug 1481, MAP, 48, 89. Arrested by Sixtus: 2 June 1482, Infessura, 91. Incarcerated after Sixtus asked barons and cardinals to put fortresses under papal guard: S Ottieri and L Lanti in Rome to the Signoria of Siena, 3 June 1482, ASS, Conc, 2048, 33. Sixtus says S has been plotting to admit Alfonso d’Aragona to Rome and to assassinate Sixtus and Riario; a large quantity of arms was found in his house: L Lanti to the Signoria of Siena, 5 June 1482, ASS, Conc, 2048, 35. Lorenzo comments on the news of Rossetto da Capua’s confession and the cardinals’ imprisonment: Lorenzo de’ Medici to L Capponi in Naples, 28 Sept 1482, Lettere, VII, 105. Under torture Rossetto da Capua admitted there was a plot to gather infantry in S’s house and cause a rising in Rome, attacking Riario: S Ottieri to the Balia of Siena, 30 Sept 1482, ASS, Balia, 505, 99. The conditions of S’s imprisonment have been made more restrictive: [F Gaddi] to Lorenzo de’ Medici, 9 Oct 1482, Sig, X, VIII, 63, 64. The imprisoned cardinals and Mariano Savelli feature in the terms of the peace treaty between Sixtus and the League, 12 Dec 1482: Lettere, VII, 485, 489 and 496. There is a rumour in Rome that S and Cardinal Colonna are to be released into exile: G A Vespucci to the Dieci, 2 June 1483, Dieci, Resp, 28, 6-7. When Camillo Vitelli escaped from Castel S Angelo and went to S’s house, he handed him back to Sixtus: G A Vespucci to the Dieci, 28 Feb 1484, Dieci, Resp, 27, 109-10. Cardinal Borgia tries to bribe him to get his support in the conclave; Girolamo Riario says he does not want S as pope at any price: 18 Aug 1484, MAP, 39, 288. Backs Giuliano della Rovere in not wanting to attend the papal funeral until Castel S Angelo is put into the hands of the College of Cardinals: 21 Aug 1484, MAP, 39, 292. One of four cardinals who Ludovico Sforza and Alfonso d’Aragona do not want to see as pope: 26 Aug 1484, Dieci, Resp, 32, 81. Received the Bolognese legation as part of the pre-election deal: 29 Aug 1484, MAP, 39, 302a. Received Monticelli, which is next to Palombara and his other terre: 1 Sept 1484, MAP, 39, 308. Supported Ascanio Sforza’ s plan to get Cardinal Cibo elected pope and, in return, was promised the Bolognese legation: 4 Sept 1484, MAP, 48, 37. Asked Ascanio Sforza to settle the Orsini-Colonna dispute: 9 Sept 1484, MAP, 48, 43. Is being sent to Bologna as legate to make it seem that the pope is pro-Riario: 25 Sept 1484, MAP, 39, 333. Is on the committee of cardinals investigating precedents for Florence’s nomination of the Perugians as confederati: 26 Nov 1484, Dieci, Resp, 32, 418. Piero de’ Medici is to visit S in Rome because he is a relative of the Orsini: Lorenzo de’ Medici to Piero de’ Medici, 26 Nov 1484, Lettere, VIII, 76. Together with Giuliano della Rovere and Guidantonio Vespucci, plots to overthrow Girolamo Riario: 14 Dec 1484, MAP, 39, 403. The duke of Orléans tries to persuade S’s emissary of the need for war on Milan: 5 Feb 1485, MAP, 39, 77.

 

Savelli, Luca di Pandolfo d. c. 1515

Career: Brother of Filippo and Giovanni Savelli. As a soldier he saw comparatively little action until the outbreak of the Italian Wars, in the course of which he fought for Naples, the Church, Florence (against the Pisan rebels, the Church, Venice and Spain) and Milan.

Refs: A Sanseverino condottiere arrested by the Venetians for spending false money: 11 Mar 1485, ASV Dieci, Misti, 22, 150. The Ten change their mind and sends Luigi de Manente to find out the truth of matter: 11 Mar 1485, ASV, cit, 150-1. Bringing aid to his brother Giovanni Savelli against Innocent: 12 Mar 1485, Dieci, Resp, 30, 465.

 

Savelli, Mariano d. c. 1505

Career: Signore of Palombara Sabina. From the late 1450s, he saw action in the various conflicts of central and southern Italy, but was perhaps most notable for being imprisoned from June 1482, together with Cardinals Giovanni Battista Savelli and Giovanni Colonna, accused by Sixtus of conspiring with his Neapolitan enemy. Six months after the pope’s defection to the League, Mariano escaped from Castel S Angelo.

Refs: Imprisoned by Sixtus: 2 June 1482, Infessura, 91. Arrested after Sixtus summoned the cardinals and barons to surrender fortresses to papal custody: S Ottieri and L Lanti in Rome to the Signoria of Siena, 3 June 1482, ASS, Conc, 2048, 33. S’s son accepted Neapolitan troops into Palombara on 4 Nov: Antonio da Montecatini to E d’Este, 14 Nov 1482, ASMo, ASE, ambasciatori, Firenze, 3. The imprisoned cardinals and S feature in the terms of the peace treaty between Sixtus and the League, 12 Dec 1482: Lettere, VII, 485, 489 and 496. The Sienese exile Cristofano Grifoli offers S’s son with 2 squadre to Alfonso d’Aragona; the son had been sacked by Virginio Orsini because Virginio did not trust the Savelli: 22 Feb 1486, Dieci, Resp, 33, 387.

 

Savelli, Pier Giovanni di Francesco (‘cavaliere Savelli’)

Refs: In past few days Bernardino Savelli da Palombara has taken Cretone from S, the signore of Ariccia: G F Cagnola to G G Sforza, 11 Nov 1482, ASMi, SPE, Napoli, 241. One of the Orsini raccomandati: 2 Nov 1485, Dieci, Delib, 30, 116.

 

Savino, Lorenzo

Ref: Emissary of Girolamo Riario to forward his plot to return Carlo Manfredi to Faenza: Feb 1486[?], Dieci, Resp, 33, 400.

 

Savoy, duke of, see Charles I, duke of Savoy; Philibert I, duke of Savoy