Sforza

Sforza, Italian ducal family that ruled Milan from 1450 to 1535. Of peasant origin, the family was founded by Giacomuzzo Attendolo (1369-1424), who became a successful condottiere (see condottieri) and adopted the surname Sforza (“force”). He fought in the defense of Milan, Florence, and other Italian states, winding up in the service of Naples. His son, Francesco, served the Visconti family of Milan and married the duke's daughter; he won control of the city and assumed the ducal title in 1450. Francesco was succeeded by two of his sons, Galeazzo Maria and Ludovico. The latter, a usurper, had a stormy reign that ended with the capture of Milan by the French in 1499-1500. His son, Massimiliano (1493-1530), won the city back with the help of Swiss troops in 1512 but was driven out again three years later. Holy Roman Emperor Charles V restored the dukedom to Massimiliano's brother, Francesco Maria (1495-1535), in 1522. He was the last Sforza to rule Milan. After his death without heirs in 1535, control of the city reverted to Charles V.

Sforza rule of Milan was personal and autocratic, much like that of the Medici in Florence, with which the family was linked by marriage. The Sforzas were patrons of such artists as the architect Bramante and the painter-inventor Leonardo da Vinci; many were able rulers, and the city flourished under their guidance.