Manfredi, Astorre I

Astorre (Astorgio) I Manfredi ( Italian: Astorre (Astorgio) I Manfredi ; born c. 1350 in Faenza, d. November 28, 1405 in the same place) - Italian condottier, Senior Faenza (1377-1404).

Son of Giovanni Manfredi . After papal troops occupied their possessions in Romagna , he lived in Pisto . In 1375, he conquered Granarolo. On July 25, 1377, he entered Faenza, was joyfully welcomed by the inhabitants, and proclaimed ruler of the city. Also captured Imola .

After the church split of 1378, the popes in Avignon changed their policy towards the small Italian princes, preferring to have them as allies, and Astorre I was appointed papal vicar of Faenza and Imola.

To protect his situation, he hired a detachment of mercenaries (mostly foreigners) called the Star Company ( Italian: Compagnia della Stella ) and he himself led it. Bernabo Visconti hired him for the war with Genoa , but the city offered Astorra I compensation in the amount of 13 thousand gold florins. Later, he again tried to take Genoa, but his army was ambushed, and he almost got captured.

Later, Astorre I and his detachment joined the service of Bologna , who at that time fought with Visconti. The palace, which now bears his name, received a reward for his military successes.

At the Battle of Portomaggiore on April 16, 1395, the ruler of Ferrara, Azzo d'Este, was captured and held captive for more than a year, demanding a huge ransom. Ferrara managed to capture the son of Astorre I, and he had to exchange him for his captive.

In 1400, he began military operations against Giovanni I Bentivoglio , papal vicar of Bologna, and his ally Count Alberico Barbiano . After a long war, he admitted defeat and in 1404 was forced to agree to a deal that transferred Faenz to the papal legate in Bologna Baltasar Koss for a period of 10 years for compensation of 25,000 ducats, as well as part of his military fortifications for a period of 5 years for a monthly rental fee of 200 florins, and he himself became a condottiere in the papal service. He received none of the promised money.

Astorre I tried to plot in Faenza, but was captured and executed in the main square.

Five years later, on June 18, 1410, his son Gian-Galeazzo entered Faenza and was proclaimed by the inhabitants as its ruler. He safely retained power in the city until his death in 1416, he was succeeded by his son - Guidantonio .