1500 - Political Events

Political Events

France's Louis XII annexes Milan on the basis of his being the great-grandson of Gian Galeazzo Visconti (see 1395; 1499). Ludovico Sforza has been captured April 10 and thrown into a French prison, where he will die in 8 years despite efforts by his sister-in-law Isabella d'Este to obtain his release. Isabella gives birth May 26 to a son, Federico, whose godfather is Cesare Borgia (see 1512).

Carlo and Grifonetto Baglioni try to assassinate the other descendants of the late Malatesta Baglioni (see 1488); the few who escape include Giovan Paolo Baglioni, 30, who takes strong retaliatory measures and emerges as Perugia's uncontested leader. He leaves the administration of Perugia in the capable hands of his kinsman Morgante, who will die in 2 years, and Giovan Paolo will be forced shortly thereafter to flee along with other surviving members of the family (see 1503).

Persia's Turkoman dynasty of the White Sheep comes under attack from tribesmen commanded by the Safavid leader Ismail from eastern Azerbaijan. Only 14, Ismail comes out of hiding to take advantage of the confusion that has existed since the death of Rustam Shah in 1497 (see 1501).

Portugal's influence in Africa reaches its height.