The Prince

by

Niccolò Machiavelli

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Ludovico Sforza Character Analysis

The son of Francesco Sforza, Ludovico ruled as Duke of Milan from 1489 to 1500. Known as Il Moro, Ludovico was a ruthless ruler and a famous patron of the Italian Renaissance. Ludovico's use of mercenary troops and his failed attempts to pit foreign powers against one another ultimately led to his downfall.
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Ludovico Sforza Character Timeline in The Prince

The timeline below shows where the character Ludovico Sforza appears in The Prince. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 3
Laws and Arms Theme Icon
The Masses and The Elite Theme Icon
...Milan, Machiavelli explains that the occupying French easily lost their conquest to the deposed duke, Ludovico, when he waged an initial war of reconquest. However, when France lost Milan after a... (full context)
Chapter 14
Laws and Arms Theme Icon
Fortune and Prowess Theme Icon
Goodwill and Hatred Theme Icon
The Masses and The Elite Theme Icon
...war, Sforza rose to become Duke of Milan. On the other hand, his sons, including Ludovico, "sank to being ordinary citizens after being dukes" because they neglected the art of war.... (full context)
Chapter 24
Laws and Arms Theme Icon
Fortune and Prowess Theme Icon
Goodwill and Hatred Theme Icon
The Masses and The Elite Theme Icon
...turns to a consideration of modern Italian rulers, such as the king of Naples and Ludovico, the duke of Milan, who recently lost their states. Machiavelli declares that all of these... (full context)