Can Francesco della Scala, known as Cangrande I (Verona, March 9, 1291 - Treviso, July 22, 1329), was an influential Italian military leader, lord of Verona, and imperial vicar, who represented the pinnacle of the Scaliger dynasty.
A prominent figure of his time, beloved and celebrated, he ruled Verona from 1308 to 1311, sharing power with his brother Alboino, and then reigning alone until his death. During his rule, he consolidated his family's power and expanded the city's influence, standing out as a prominent leader of the Ghibelline faction thanks to his successes.
Cangrande was not only a skilled military leader but also a shrewd politician, astute administrator, and generous patron. His greatness was evident not only in military conquests but also in the protection and friendship he provided to prominent figures of his time. His relationship with Dante Alighieri stands out, whom Cangrande considered a friend and patron, to the extent that the author dedicated the last cantica of the Divine Comedy to him in a moving letter.
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