Sforza, Ludovico

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Sforza, Ludovico (c.1451–1508) Duke of Milan (1494–99). In effective control of the city-state from 1480, Ludovico tried to cement his family's power base through diplomacy and intrigue. Sforza's alliance (1494) with Charles VIII of France marked the start of the Italian Wars. He reneged on the agreement, however, and Louis XII invaded Milan, and dispossessed Sforza. He died a prisoner in France. He is mainly remembered for his patronage of Leonardo da Vinci and Bramante.

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