Caterina Sforza: A Renaissance Warrior Woman That Knew How to Get What She Wanted

Caterina Sforza was a powerful force to be contended with in Renaissance Italy. She has been called a Renaissance virago (woman who fights like a man), a lioness, tigress, and a warrior woman. One of her more flamboyant acts of defiance was even made famous by Machiavelli. Driven and powerful, Caterina Sforza sometimes took her actions too far, and for that she has also been recognized by many as a tyrant. There was, however, a softer side to Caterina Sforza which became obvious in her personal life.

A Noble Upbringing

Born in 1463 in Milan, Caterina Sforza was the illegitimate daughter of the supposedly cruel, lustful, and tyrannical Galeazzo Maria Sforza, Duke of Milan, and his mistress Lucrezia Landriani. At the age of four the Duke accepted his daughter and took her into his home to raise her alongside his other children. Caterina was most likely acknowledged by her father because noble children were often useful tools for politically advantageous marriages as they grew.