Cangrande II della Scala

Cangrande II della Scala (7 June 1332[1] – 14 December 1359) was Lord of Verona from 1351 until his death.

Cangrande II della Scala
Born(1332-06-08)8 June 1332
Verona
Died14 December 1359(1359-12-14) (aged 27)
Verona
Noble familyScaliger
Spouse(s)Elizabeth of Bavaria
IssueGuglielmo della Scala
FatherMastino II della Scala
MotherTaddea de Carrara

In 1351, after the death of his father Mastino II della Scala, he inherited the lordship of Verona and Vicenza, initially (until 1352) under the regency of his uncle Alberto II. In 1350 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Emperor Louis IV of Bavaria and Margaret II, Countess of Hainault.

Cangrande, nicknamed Can Rabbioso ("Raging Dog") ruled Verona with iron fist, amassing rich treasures for his illegitimate sons and impoverishing the city. This caused internal strifes which led the suspicious Cangrande to surround himself with Brandenburg mercenaries. This did not prevent him being assassinated by his brother Cansignorio, who, with the help of the Carraresi of Padua, succeeded him.

Cangrande had a castle and a fortified bridge built in the town (see Castelvecchio and Castelvecchio Bridge) in order to grant him a safe place and a safe escape route towards Germany in the event of revolt against him in the city.

Among his children were:

He also had a natural son:

Preceded by Lord of Verona
and Vicenza

1351–1359
Succeeded by

References

edit
  1. ^ Gian Maria Varanini, della Scala, Cangrande, DBI, Volume XXXVII (1989), Istituto dell'Enciclopedia Italiana Treccani