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Castruccio Castracani

Type Figure Region Italy Time 1281–1328 Also known as Castruccio

Castruccio Castracani (1281–1328) was a famous Italian medieval condottiero and lord of Lucca who rose from common origins through military talent, r…

Timeline

  1. 1296–1314Lucca · LuccaExiled due to his family's political struggles, Castruccio took up mercenary service, fighting across Italy's city-states and gradually accumulating military reputation and connections.
  2. 1316–1320Lucca · LuccaWith imperial backing and a military coup, Castruccio returned to Lucca, gradually eliminating political rivals, establishing effective control after 1316, and implementing city defense and administrative reforms.
  3. 1320–1328Tuscany · TuscanyIn the 1320s Castruccio repeatedly defeated Florence and its allies, expanded Lucca's sphere of influence, was granted the title of duke by the emperor, and became one of Tuscany's most threatening military strongmen, until his death from malaria in 1328.

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