Mastino II
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Language: English / USA
Mastino II della Scala (Verona, 1308 - Verona, June 3, 1351) was an Italian military leader. After the death of Cangrande I, Mastino II and his brother Alberto II ruled Verona together, but power was mainly in the hands of Mastino, who forcefully conquered Brescia, Parma, and Lucca. His expansion led to the formation of the anti-Veronese League, a union of various cities. From 1339, under the influence of Azzone Visconti of Milan, the situation changed. Mastino suffered a significant defeat in the Battle of Parabiago and was forced to seek peace through the mediation of Emperor Louis IV of Bavaria. After the defeats, Scaliger dominance was reduced to Verona and Vicenza.
Even in internal politics, Mastino II was brutal, publicly assassinating his cousin Bartolomeo della Scala, bishop of Verona, in 1338. Mastino II died in 1351, and his tomb is among the Arche Scaligere in Verona.