Battle of Portomaggiore


The Battle of Portomaggiore took place near Portomaggiore in the province of Ferrara, Italy on 16 April 1395. It was fought between the Este troops of the Ferrara Regency Council fighting in the name of the young Niccolò III d'Este, Marquis of Ferrara and the rebel forces of his uncle, Azzo X d'Este, pretender to the Lordship of Ferrara.

Background

After the death of Alberto d'Este, Marquis of Ferrara, he was succeeded by his legitimated son Niccolò, who was still a minor. His uncle Azzo claimed the title on the grounds of Niccolò's young age and his legitimacy, but was rebuffed by the Regency Council. Azzo therefore organised a military force by the hiring of mercenaries.

The battle

The two armies met at Portomaggiore, some 10 miles south-west of the city of Ferrara. The Regency Council forces were under the command of Astorre Manfredi, a condottiero who had once formed the Compagnia della Stella, a private mercenary army. He had the support of troops from Florence, Bologna, Venice, and Carrara. Azzo's force of mercenaries was led by the condottiero Giovanni da Barbiano.
The Regency Council troops quickly attacked Azzo's 8,000 strong army, eventually forcing them to retreat and seek refuge in the castle, where they were ultimately forced to surrender. Azzo's forces lost some 1,000 men and Azzo himself was captured. Regency Council losses were limited.