Milan

Milan is a northern Italian city that became a trading city in the 1300s along with three other cities. Since each city was in a different area, Milan would control trades that went through the Alps. Like Florence, Milan was a manufacturing center. Each city made certain kind of crafts, Milan specialized in weapons and silk. In the early 1400s Milan was focused on conquering Florence, but an upper class family, the Sforza family, took over and brought peace. When Francesco Sforza conquered the city, Milan became one of the leading cities in the Italian Renaissance. Under the Sforza rule the city transformed into a powerful metropolis. Milan was extraordinarily wealthy and artist such as Leonardo da Vinci were attracted to the glamour. Another member of, the Sforza family, Ludovico Sforza was an excellent ruler by encouraging agriculture and the silk industry. He also decided to have important artist in the city. He named Leonardo da Vinci painter of the duke and Leonardo created one of his best pieces, "The Last Supper" during his time in Milan.

The Sforza Family

The Sforza family, originally the Attendolo was an Italian family who ruled Milan from 1450 to 1535. However, before the Sforza family ruled, the Visconti family governed. Starting out as successful farmers, Muzio Attendolo Sforza became a well known condottieri. When he became a condottieri, Muzio used the military power to rule Milan, he is credited for starting the dynasty. After Muzio died his son, Francesco Sforza became duke of Milan by marrying Bianca Maria Visconti, daughter of the last duke from the Visconti family.

Pictured below is a closer view of Milan

Pictured below is a map of Italy

Shown above is some of the important Sforza members.