Shortly after becoming duke, Francesco Sforza has to deal with a war against Venice, but then the peace of Lodi and the Italic league allow him some time to consolidate his power and start building projects in Milan, as well as chase after women, ending his life with a total of 35 children, only 8 of which were legitimate. His son Galeazzo Maria takes over and the only things he seems good at are spending money and satisfying his desires. 

152 - Duke Francesco Sforza and his sex-crazed son (1450 - 1568)

Join history buff, Mike Corradi on a journey through time as he unfolds the rich tapestry of the Italian peninsula's history. This chronological story starts with the collapse of the Western Roman Empire and leads you through the most iconic events, influential figures, and cultural milestones that have shaped Italy into what we see today. It’s all serious stuff, but we do take time to stop and laugh at battles over a bucket, rude names, naughty priests and popes, rabbits winning sieges, doves winning battles, bits of dead bodies as tokens of love, and whole series of real historical silly situations that no comedian could think of.

Come along every other week for a compelling and insightful glimpse into A History of Italy.

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After seeing French King Charles VIII out of the Italian peninsula, we take a quick tour around to see what the situation is at the end of the 15th century and make sure everyone is on the same page.  We look at Sardinia, Sicily, the Kingdom of Naples and the Papal States under the Borgias, but also take time to talk about syphilis and some naughty nighttime activities. Visit our partner for great travel ideas: Exlore Worldwide

168 - The Italian war 5 - round 1 aftermath - the south and centre

Charles VIII of France is on his way out as king Ferrandino of Naples, along with Gonzalo de Cordoba, are gradually taking back the kingdom. Meanwhile Charles is headed off by the Holy League of Venice at the town of Fornovo in the Apennines of Parma. In the ensuing battle, he manages to get through, but not without losing all the supplies and spoils of his campaign. The league commander Francisco Gonzaga, comes out of the affair looking pretty good. After he finally leaves and Luis of Orleans leaves Novara to the besieging Sforza, an uneasy peace fans over Italy.

167 - The Italian Wars 4 - Charles has left the building

Charles VIII of France finally managed to get to Naples, but doesn't hang around long, the players on the Italian scene feel he has worn out his welcome and Venice, Milan, the pope, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian and Ferdinand II of Spain band together in the Holy league to threaten France.  Things kick off in the south with the new king of Naples Ferrandino ready to fight back supported by the Spanish and in the north the Milanese and Venetians lay siege to the French in Novara. Visit our partner's website at Exlore Worldwide

166 - The Italian Wars 3 - finally Naples… for a bit (1495)

A chance visit to the beautiful Ligurian town of Porto Venere, staying in a 900 year-old tower, Torre Capitolare (https://www.capitolare.com/) gave us the opportunity to meet not only with medieval history, the Republic of Genoa and Pisa, the Castle of the Doria, but also with the Romantic ports: Byron, Keats, Percy Shelly and the great Mary Shelly, author of the novel "Frankenstein". Thanks to our partner, Explore Worldwide (Exlore Worldwide) we have the opportunity to share with you the unforgettable trip and follow in the footsteps of the literary greats, from their memorable story-telling stormy night on the shores of Lake Geneva, to Tuscany, Liguria, Ravenna, Venice and Rome. Love, death passion, lots of animals and lots of sex... you'll find it all in this special episode. 

Special - The Gulf of poets: Byron, Keats and Shelly in Italy

After his election as pope Alecander VI Rodrigo Borgia gets straight down to business, sorting out the lawlessness in Rome, tinkering with the delicate national balance with the Duchy of Milan, the Republics of Florence and Venice as well as the kingdom of Naples. He then has to also deal with the descent of French King Charles VIII, but most of all, he wants to sort out his children, Cesare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Goffredo.  When the pope decides to pin all hopes for a future Borgia dynasty on Giovanni, Cesare is not at all pleased and makes some plans of his own, which may have included his brother's body washing up the banks of the Tiber. Our partner for this episode is Explore Worldwide, check out their website: Exlore Worldwide

152 - Duke Francesco Sforza and his sex-crazed son (1450 - 1568)

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