The Ghibelline leader Ezzelino da Romano was captured and fatally wounded, ending his military campaign in Lombardy.
Key Facts
- Date
- 23 September 1259
- Location
- Adda River, Northern Italy
- Ghibelline commander
- Ezzelino da Romano
- Guelph commander
- Azzo VII d'Este
- Outcome for Ezzelino
- Wounded, captured, died at Soncino
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
In 1259, Ezzelino da Romano led a Ghibelline army into Lombardy, besieging Orci Novi. Pressure from the approaching Guelph forces compelled him to abandon the siege, cross the Oglio River, and attempt—without success—to seize Monza with support from Milanese exiles, leaving his army in a vulnerable position near the Adda River.
At the Adda River, the Ghibelline forces under Ezzelino da Romano were met and defeated by the Guelph army commanded by Azzo VII d'Este. Ezzelino was wounded during the fighting and captured, bringing the battle to a decisive conclusion in favor of the Guelphs.
Ezzelino da Romano was imprisoned at Soncino, where he died of his wounds within days of the battle. His death ended the Ghibelline military campaign in Lombardy. The town of Soncino preserves a weekly bell-ringing tradition in memory of his death, and local legend holds that he was buried with his treasure.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Azzo VII d'Este.
Side B
1 belligerent
Ezzelino da Romano.