Ordelaffi, Francesco II

Francesco II Ordelaffi ( Italian. Francesco II Ordelaffi ; d. 1374 ) - lord Forli in 1331-1359. At various times he was the lord of Cesena, Bertrinoro, Forlimpopoli, Castrocaro Terme, Meldola, Oriolo, Predappio, Dovadola.

Born between 1310 and 1315. Son of Sinibaldo Ordelaffi, grandson of Theobaldo Ordelaffy.

Since 1331, co-ruler of his uncle Francesco I. In 1332, the papal troops drove them out of Forli and other possessions, and they remained only the city Forlimpopoli.

After the death of his uncle, who died in the same year, Francesco II became the leader of the Gibbelins of Romagna and was able to quickly regain Forli under his power (in 1333). Then, taking advantage of the temporary weakening of the papal power in Italy, he became the lord of Cesena and Bertinoro.

In 1337, he captured the archbishop of Ravenna and was excommunicated. However, he soon made up with Pope Benedict XII and was appointed by the papal vicar of Forlie, Cesena and Forlimpopoli in exchange for an annual cash payment.

Later he became friends with the emperor Louis IV , from him he received the title of imperial vicar, but without any military support.

In 1350, Castrocaro, Meldola, Fontanafredd and Judjiola, his son Lodovico - Bertinoro, conquered.

In January 1356, Pope Innocent VI launched a war against Francesco II and his allies Giovanni and Guglielmo Manfredi .

Papal troops under the command of Cardinal Albornos on June 21, 1357 occupied Cesena (which was defended heroically by Francesco II’s wife Marcia (Chia) Degli Ubaldini), on July 23 of that year, Bertinoro, in February 1359 - Castrocaro, Predappio, Fiumana, Oriolo and Rocca d. 'Elmichi, July 4, 1359 (after a long siege) - Forli.

Only Forlimpopoli and Castrocaro remained in the power of Francesco II. Later, he tried several times to establish himself in Forli, but without success. He died in Venice in 1374.