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Visconti (Name of one of the most)

the name of one of the most illustrious families of Lombardy, which rose to the sovereign rank in northern Italy in the 13th century, and was equally distinguished by the share it took in the political contests of the Middle Ages, and by the services which it rendered to literature and science. The name Visconti is derived from the Latin vice-comites, and at first was merely the title of an office, but it gradually became 6 GIOVANNI VISCONTI a family surname, though when it came to be applied to this family authentic history fails to explain. The power of Visconti began in 1277, when Ottone Vishis popular opponents headed by conti, archbishop of Milan, vanquished by Martino della Torre, and became perpetual Lord of Milan.. Two of the most important members of the family were Matteo, who was compelled to resign by Pope John XXII.; and Giovanni Galeazzo, who brought the power and grandeur of Visconti to its highest point. He founded the library at Paris; the Cathedral of Milan, etc.; and conquered Padua, Verona, Vicenza, etc. In 1441, Filippo-Maria Visconti engaged the serv- VISCONTI ices of Francesco Sforza, to whom he its upper surface. Fertile flowers, with gave his natural daughter Bianca in marriage; and on his death in 1447 the Visconti family was succeeded by that of Sforza in the lordship of the Milanese. と MATTEO VISCONTI