Sforza

The dynasty was founded by Francesco Sforza, who ruled Milan for the first half of the Renaissance era, acquiring the title of Duke from the extinct Visconti[?] family in 1447. While there were many good rulers in the family, there were also a number of despots, many of which were mentally unstable.

This family would later join with the Borgia Family[?], through the arranged marriage of Lucrezia Borgia to Giovanni Sforza[?] (who was the illegitimate son of Costanzo Sforza[?]).

After the French were driven out by Swiss Mercenries, Maximilian Sforza, son of Ludovico became Duke of Milan, until the French returned under Francis I of France and imprisoned him.

Not to be confused with sforzando[?], a musical marking.