What is sforze?

The Sforza family was a prominent Italian noble family who ruled Milan from 1450 to 1535. The family was founded by Francesco Sforza, a condottiero who became Duke of Milan in 1450 after the previous ruling Visconti family died out.

Under the leadership of the Sforzas, Milan became a major center of Renaissance art and culture, and the family sponsored artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante. The Sforzas also played a significant role in the Italian Wars, fighting against other city-states and foreign powers for control of the peninsula.

The most famous member of the Sforza family was Ludovico Sforza, also known as Ludovico il Moro, who ruled as regent of Milan from 1480 to 1499. He is remembered as a patron of the arts and for his relationship with Leonardo da Vinci, who worked for him as an artist and engineer. However, Ludovico's alliance with France ultimately led to his downfall when the French invaded Milan in 1499 and he was captured and imprisoned.

The Sforza family's rule of Milan came to an end when the last Duke, Francesco II, was forced to surrender to Emperor Charles V in 1535. However, the Sforza legacy lives on in Milan in the form of landmarks such as the Sforza Castle and the Arch of Peace, which were built during their reign.