Career
Born at Lavello, Basilicata, he trained at the military school of Ceccolo Broglia and served the Republic of Florence. On 26 June 1402, he fought in the Battle of Casalecchio. He was charged with overseeing the bridge of Reno, but he left his position to participate in the combat, leaving the camps without any defense on his side.
His imprudence cost the defeat of his army, and Tartaglia was captured and imprisoned.
Released, he assumed responsibility for the defeat, but not enough to appease the wrath of Muzio Attendolo. Relations between Tartaglia and Sforza became bad, resulting in a strong rivalry.
As a token of gratitude, Ladislaus gave him the title of Lord of Toscanella in 1413. In 1418, he swore allegiance to Pope Martin V and occupied Assisi one year later and other territories between Lazio and Umbria.
Tartaglia was arrested while sleeping by his rival, Muzio Attendolo.
After being tortured, he was decapitated at Aversa in 1421.