1. Overview
Alboino I della Scala was a prominent Scaliger lord who governed Verona from 1304 until his death in 1311. His rule marked a crucial period for the Scaliger dynasty, as he navigated complex political landscapes through strategic alliances and co-rulership. Alboino's tenure is notable for strengthening Verona's position within the Holy Roman Empire, particularly through his close ties and appointment as an Imperial vicar by Emperor Henry VII. Although his reign was relatively short, it laid foundational groundwork for the subsequent expansion of Veronese influence under his successors, including his influential younger brother Cangrande I della Scala and his own sons, Alberto II della Scala and Mastino II della Scala, who continued the family's legacy.
2. Life and Family
Alboino's personal background, including his birth, family relations, and marital life, are integral to understanding his position within the powerful Scaliger dynasty and his influence in medieval Veneto.
2.1. Birth and Early Life
Alboino I della Scala was born in Verona, Italy, around 1284. He was the second son of Alberto I della Scala, who was also a Lord of Verona, and Verde da Salizzole. While his exact birth date remains unknown, historical records from 1289 describe him as being "very young" at that time, which aligns with his approximate birth year. His upbringing within the prominent Scaliger family destined him for a life of political engagement and leadership within the region.
2.2. Marriages and Issue
Alboino I della Scala entered into two significant marriages, both of which were politically and socially relevant for the Scaliger family. In 1298, he married Caterina Visconti, who was the daughter of the influential Matteo I Visconti, Lord of Milan. After eight years of marriage, Alboino remarried in 1306 to Betrice, a daughter of Gilberto III da Correggio.
Through these marriages, Alboino had several children who would later play roles in the history of Verona. He had two sons, Alberto II della Scala and Mastino II della Scala, both of whom would eventually co-rule Verona, continuing the Scaliger legacy. Alboino also had two daughters. From his first marriage to Caterina Visconti, he had Alboina, who was born around 1309 and later became an abbess at the monastery of San Michele in Campagna. His second marriage to Betrice da Corregio produced a daughter named Verde, who married Rizzardo da Camino in 1317, further solidifying the family's connections through strategic matrimonial alliances.
3. Lord of Verona
Alboino's period of rule as Lord of Verona was characterized by strategic political maneuvers, particularly his alliances that strengthened the Scaliger hold on power and integrated Verona more deeply into the politics of the Holy Roman Empire.
3.1. Accession to Power
Alboino I della Scala acceded to the position of Lord of Verona in 1304. This transition occurred following the death of his elder brother, Bartolomeo I della Scala, who passed away on either March 7 or 8 of that year. Alboino's succession marked a continuation of the Scaliger family's lordship over Verona, a city that was growing in political and economic importance within northern Italy.
3.2. Reign and Imperial Relations
Alboino's reign as Lord of Verona saw significant developments, particularly in his strategic alliances and his role within the broader framework of the Holy Roman Empire. From 1308, Alboino associated his younger brother, Cangrande I della Scala, as a co-ruler, a move that proved beneficial for the Scaliger family's consolidation of power. The Scaligers, including Alboino, were known for their alignment with the Ghibellines, a faction that supported the Holy Roman Emperors against the Papacy and its allies.
This pro-imperial stance proved highly advantageous. During the descent of Henry VII into Italy in 1311, Alboino and Cangrande provided crucial support to the Emperor. In recognition of their loyalty and assistance, Henry VII appointed both Alboino and Cangrande as Imperial vicars for Verona and its surrounding territory. This appointment not only legitimized their rule under imperial authority but also greatly enhanced the political prestige and effective control of the Scaliger family over Verona, making them key imperial representatives in the region.
4. Death and Succession
The events surrounding Alboino's demise and the subsequent changes in the lordship of Verona underscore the continuity of the Scaliger dynasty's power and influence in the region.
4.1. Death
Alboino I della Scala died on November 29, 1311. His death occurred in Verona, the city he had ruled as its lord. His passing marked the end of his individual tenure, but the foundations he laid facilitated the continued strength of the Scaliger domain.
4.2. Legacy and Subsequent Rulers
Following Alboino's death, the lordship of Verona was immediately taken over by his younger brother, Cangrande I della Scala. Cangrande ruled until his own death in 1329, during which period he significantly expanded the Veronese domain, transforming it into a major territorial state in northern Italy. Alboino's lineage, however, also ensured the long-term continuation of the Scaliger rule. After Cangrande's death, Alboino's sons, Alberto II della Scala and Mastino II della Scala, jointly took over the rule of Verona, thereby cementing the family's control and highlighting the enduring impact of Alboino's family and strategic marriages on the political landscape of Verona.