Ludovico Ariosto

Timeline

1. 1474–1500Reggio Emilia · Emilia-RomagnaBorn into a declining noble family, he studied law and classical literature in Bologna and elsewhere. In his youth he began writing satirical and lyric poems, gradually emerging in Emilian literary circles and preparing to enter court literary society.
2. 1501–1510Ferrara · FerraraAround 1503 he was employed by Ippolito Este as court poet and undertook diplomatic missions; after 1508 he transferred to the service of his brother Alfonso I. During this period he began systematically writing Orlando Furioso and composed comedies such as Cassina, blending the chivalric romance tradition with contemporary political satire.
3. 1511–1533Ferrara · FerraraThe first edition of Orlando Furioso appeared in 1516, with a definitive edition in 1532, becoming a milestone of Italian Renaissance literature. In his later years, though he still held posts such as governor of the Garfagnana fortress, he devoted most of his energy to literary creation and revision, dying of illness in Ferrara in 1533.