Caterina Sforza

Caterina Sforza (1463 – 28 May 1509) was an Italian Noblewoman
Caterina Sforza (born 1462/63, Milan [Italy]—died May 28, 1509, Florence) was an Italian noblewoman who ruled the cities of Forlì and Imola (now in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy) during the late 15th century. During her lifetime she became famous for her cunning, audacity, and extreme brutality as a warrior and a ruler. Her actions dramatically defied conventional notions regarding the capabilities and proper behaviour of noblewomen. She was a member of the powerful Sforza family, which ruled Milan continuously in the second half of the 15th century and for brief periods in the early 16th century (see Milan: Feudal and dynastic conflicts).