He lived between 1401 and 1466. He was the founder of the Sforza dynasty in Milan.
The duke of Milan, Filippo Maria Visconti, died without a male heir in 1447 which borught the end of the Visconti line. The Ambrosian Republic broke out but collapsed in 1450 during when Sforza took the control of many cities. The city's senate decided to entrust to him the dukedom. It was the first time that this title was given by a lay institution. Although Italian states recognized him as the Duke of Milan, he was never accepted as the duke by the Holy Roman Emperor. It was after 1494, when Emperor Maximilian recognised Francesco's son Lodovico as the Duke of Milan.
With Sforza, Milan became Renaissance learning and culture center . During his reign the Ospedale Maggiore was founded, the Palazzo dell'Arengo was restored, and the Naviglio d'Adda was built.
In 1462, rumours about his death spread out and a riot exploded in Milan. But he survived until 1466. He was followed by his son Galeazzo Maria Sforza as the Duke of Milan.
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