Gattamelata

Erasmo Stefano da Narni, known as the Gattamelata (1370-1443), was an Italian condottiero who served Florence, the Papal State, and Venice, eventually becoming its general captain. A successful military strategist, he defended Venice from the Visconti and conquered Verona. In Valmareno, he obtained recognition of lordship from Venice, but later ceded his share to Brandolino Conte Brandolini. Throughout his career, he participated in significant military actions, including the reconquest of Verona in 1439. He retired to Padua in 1443 and passed away in the same year, being honored by the Republic of Venice. The equestrian statue dedicated to him in Padua, created by Donatello, is famous, as is the inscription on his house in Narni: "Narnia me genuit / Gattamelata fui".