Cassone della Torre
Cassone della Torre, also known as Mosca, was an Italian medieval condottiero and feudal lord who served as Archbishop of Milan from 1308 to 1316 and Patriarch of Aquileia from 1317 to 1318. His tenure as Archbishop was marked by conflict with his cousin Guido della Torre and involvement in the struggles between the Torriani and Visconti families for control of Milan.
Key Facts
- ›Served as Archbishop of Milan from 1308 to 1316.
- ›Became Patriarch of Aquileia from 1317 to 1318.
- ›Was imprisoned and exiled from Milan in 1309 due to conflict with his cousin Guido della Torre.
- ›Crowned Emperor Henry VII as King of Italy in 1311.
- ›Renounced the Archbishopric of Milan in 1316.
- ›Died in a fall from a horse in Florence.
- Participated In A Papal Military Expedition Against the Republic of Venice In 1309.
- Appointed Mediator Between the Torriani and Visconti Families By Emperor Henry Vii.
- Crowned Henry Vii As King of Italy.
Condottiero, Feudal Lord
About Cassone della Torre
Cassone della Torre, also known by the nickname Mosca, was a significant Italian medieval figure who held both military and ecclesiastical power. He served as the Archbishop of Milan from 1308 to 1316 and subsequently as the Patriarch of Aquileia from 1317 until his death in 1318. His life was deeply intertwined with the turbulent political landscape of Lombardy, particularly the intense rivalry between his family, the Torriani, and their arch-rivals, the Visconti, for control of Milan.
Life and Historical Context
Born into the prominent Torriani family, Cassone della Torre was the second son of Corrado della Torre and grandson of Napo della Torre. In his youth, he resided in Friuli, a region then under the governance of his grand-uncle, Raimondo, as Patriarch of Aquileia. This period saw many members of the Torriani family living in exile from Milan after the House of Visconti seized power in the city.
Cassone's ecclesiastical career began with his appointment as canon of Cividale in 1296. Upon the Torriani's return to Milan in 1302, he became a canon of the Cathedral of Milan. His ascension to Archbishop of Milan in 1308, confirmed by Pope Clement V, was a pivotal moment.
Major Contributions and Conflicts
As Archbishop, Cassone della Torre found himself at the center of political intrigue. His appointment intensified conflict with his cousin, Guido della Torre, who feared Cassone's potential alliance with the Visconti. In 1309, Cassone participated in a successful papal military expedition against the Republic of Venice. However, later that year, Guido's forces attacked the archbishop's palace, imprisoned him, and subsequently exiled him from Milan.
Emperor Henry VII later appointed Cassone as a mediator between the warring Torriani and Visconti families. Although he brokered an agreement, it was rejected by Guido della Torre. The Emperor then forced Guido to flee Milan and sold the title of imperial vicar to Matteo I Visconti. Cassone re-entered Milan and, on January 6, 1311, had the honor of crowning Henry VII as King of Italy. Following dissatisfaction among Milanese citizens over debts to the Emperor and a subsequent revolt instigated by the Torriani which was suppressed by the Visconti and imperial soldiers, Cassone fled Milan once more. In 1314, after the episcopal palace in Milan was sacked, he excommunicated Matteo I Visconti.
Later Years and Death
On December 31, 1316, Cassone della Torre voluntarily renounced his position as Archbishop of Milan. Pope John XXII then appointed him as the secular patriarch of Aquileia. However, he never assumed his duties in Friuli. Cassone della Torre died on August 20, 1318, in Florence, having suffered a fatal fall from a horse. He was buried in the church of Santa Croce in Florence, and his funerary monument was created by the sculptor Tino da Camaino.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Cassone della Torre?
Cassone della Torre, also known as Mosca, was an Italian medieval condottiero and feudal lord. He served as the Archbishop of Milan from 1308 to 1316 and later as the Patriarch of Aquileia from 1317 to 1318.
What were the main conflicts during Cassone della Torre's time as Archbishop of Milan?
His appointment as Archbishop of Milan sparked a conflict with his cousin Guido della Torre, who feared an alliance with the Visconti family. Cassone was also involved in the long-standing power struggle between the Torriani and Visconti families for control of Milan.
What significant events occurred during Cassone della Torre's tenure as Archbishop of Milan?
In 1309, Guido's troops attacked and imprisoned Cassone, leading to his exile. He later returned to Milan, mediated between the Torriani and Visconti families, and crowned Emperor Henry VII as King of Italy in 1311. Following a revolt, Cassone fled Milan and later excommunicated Matteo I Visconti.
What happened after Cassone della Torre resigned as Archbishop of Milan?
On December 31, 1316, Cassone renounced his title as Archbishop of Milan. He was then appointed secular patriarch of Aquileia by Pope John XXII. However, he never took up this post as he died shortly after.
How did Cassone della Torre die and where was he buried?
Cassone della Torre died in Florence on August 20, 1318, from a fall from a horse. He was buried in the church of Santa Croce in Florence, with his funerary monument created by Tino da Camaino.
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