Margherita Attendolo was a military commander in Italy. She released of her brother Muzio. Margherita burst into the proceedings, announced herself as the sister of Muzio and the true commander of Tricarico, rejected their terms, and took them hostage despite their safe-conduct pass. She threatened to hang them all if any harm came to her brother.
Background
Margherita Attendolo belonged to a family of well-to-do farmers from Cotignola, near Ravenna, in the Romagna region of Italy. The surname Attendolo would later yield to the nickname "Sforza." The Attendoli/Sforza are famous for their participation in Italian history as professional warriors. The earlier generations served the Angevin kings of Naples, while later ones became rulers in their own right. Margherita grew up in a spartan domestic setting; the homestead was sparsely furnished and functional, with shields and cuirasses ornamenting the walls. Meals were irregular, and mattresses without coverlets served for sleep. Her parents were both from combative families, and her twenty siblings matched each other in ferocity, whether male or female.
Career
When Queen Joanna II married the Bourbon count James of La Marche, Muzio, who had formerly served the queen, was imprisoned and tortured as a possible threat to the new ruler. At the time of his arrest Margherita, with her husband Michelino Catti of Ravenna and certain relatives, was holding the Attendolo fortress at Tricarico in Basilicata. In response to this and to a revolt in Naples, loyal Attendolo followers assembled an army with Margherita in command. James of La Marche sent envoys to demand the surrender of the castle, and they began negotiations with the captains and populace. The fully armed Margherita burst into the proceedings, announced herself as the sister of Muzio and the true commander of Tricarico, rejected their terms, and took them hostage despite their safe-conduct pass. She threatened to hang them all if any harm came to her brother. Alarmed by this action, the families of the representatives interceded for their safety, persuading James to release Muzio without reprisals.
Achievements
Margherita is remembered for effecting the release of her brother Muzio from the Castel dell'Ovo prison in Naples. Margherita's militant behavior foreshadowed that of her more famous relative, Caterina Sforza.
Connections
Margherita was married to Michelino Catti of Ravenna.
