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Study Guide: The House of Della Scala: Lords of Verona

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The House of Della Scala: Lords of Verona Study Guide

Origins and Consolidation of Power (c. 1180-1300)

Jacopino della Scala founded the House of Della Scala in 1180.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historical records indicate that Jacopino della Scala established the House of Della Scala in the year 1180.

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Mastino I della Scala transitioned the family from elected officials to hereditary rulers by becoming the first 'capitano del popolo'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mastino I della Scala's ascension to the position of 'capitano del popolo' marked a pivotal moment, transforming the family's political standing from elected officials to hereditary rulers.

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Mastino I della Scala died peacefully of old age in 1277.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to a peaceful demise, Mastino I della Scala met his end in 1277 due to assassination by a faction of nobles.

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Alberto I della Scala's reign was peaceful and free from conflict.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alberto I della Scala's reign was characterized by significant conflict, particularly continuous warfare against the counts of San Bonifacio, who were supported by the House of Este.

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Ezzelino III da Romano established a permanent lordship in Verona before the Scaligeri.

Answer: True

Explanation: Prior to the Scaligeri's rise, Ezzelino III da Romano had indeed established a significant and enduring lordship in Verona, shaping the political landscape for their eventual ascent.

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The conflict between Alberto I della Scala and the counts of San Bonifacio involved support from the House of Este for the counts.

Answer: True

Explanation: Alberto I della Scala's reign was marked by conflict with the counts of San Bonifacio, who received crucial military and political support from the rival House of Este.

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Who is identified as the founder of the House of Della Scala?

Answer: Jacopino della Scala

Explanation: The foundational figure of the House of Della Scala is identified as Jacopino della Scala, who established the family's lineage in 1180.

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What strategic political maneuver did Mastino I della Scala employ to transition the family's authority from elected office to hereditary rule in Verona?

Answer: By being elected podestà and then staging a coup to become capitano del popolo

Explanation: Mastino I della Scala, initially elected as podestà del popolo, consolidated power by orchestrating a coup d'état in 1262. This action established him as 'capitano del popolo' and effectively transformed the family's signoria into a hereditary position.

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What was the cause of Mastino I della Scala's death?

Answer: He was assassinated by a group of nobles.

Explanation: Contrary to a peaceful demise, Mastino I della Scala met his end in 1277 due to assassination by a faction of nobles.

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Which conflict marked the reign of Alberto I della Scala?

Answer: Continuous warfare against the counts of San Bonifacio, aided by the House of Este

Explanation: Alberto I della Scala's reign was characterized by significant conflict, particularly continuous warfare against the counts of San Bonifacio, who were supported by the House of Este.

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What was the political situation in Verona immediately preceding the Scaligeri's rise to power?

Answer: It was under a permanent lordship established by Ezzelino III da Romano.

Explanation: Prior to the Scaligeri's rise, Verona was under the established and permanent lordship of Ezzelino III da Romano, creating a political context for the Scaligeri's eventual consolidation of power.

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Who supported the counts of San Bonifacio in their conflict against Alberto I della Scala?

Answer: The House of Este

Explanation: Alberto I della Scala's reign was marked by conflict with the counts of San Bonifacio, who received crucial military and political support from the rival House of Este.

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The Golden Age: Expansion and Patronage (c. 1300-1350)

Cangrande I della Scala was known primarily as a patron of the arts and letters.

Answer: True

Explanation: While also a formidable military leader, Cangrande I della Scala is notably recognized for his significant role as a patron of the arts and letters, fostering a cultural flourishing during his rule.

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Cangrande I della Scala conquered the city of Milan.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cangrande I della Scala expanded his dominion significantly, conquering cities such as Padua, Treviso, and Vicenza, but Milan was not among them.

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The map of Scaligeri territories from 1336 shows the family's holdings at the peak of their power.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the map of 1336 illustrates the extent of Scaligeri territories, the peak of their power and territorial holdings is generally considered to have occurred slightly earlier, under rulers like Cangrande I.

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During the tenure of Cangrande I della Scala, a period often considered a zenith for the family's influence, which prominent cultural figures received his notable patronage?

Answer: Dante Alighieri, Petrarch, and Giotto di Bondone

Explanation: Cangrande I della Scala was a distinguished patron of the arts and letters. His court supported seminal figures of the era, including the poet Dante Alighieri, the humanist Petrarch, and the painter Giotto di Bondone.

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Which of these cities was conquered by Cangrande I della Scala?

Answer: Padua

Explanation: Cangrande I della Scala expanded his dominion significantly, conquering cities such as Padua (in 1328), Treviso (in 1329), and Vicenza.

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Later Rule and Territorial Decline (c. 1350-1387)

Mastino II della Scala expanded the Scaligeri dominions by conquering Brescia and Parma.

Answer: True

Explanation: Mastino II della Scala significantly expanded the family's territories, notably by conquering Brescia in 1332 and acquiring Parma in 1335.

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A league formed by Florence, Venice, and the Visconti significantly reduced the Scaliger dominions after a war.

Answer: True

Explanation: A formidable coalition, including Florence, Venice, and the Visconti, was formed against Mastino II della Scala, leading to a substantial reduction of the Scaligeri territories following a protracted war.

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After the war against the league, the Scaligeri retained control over Verona, Vicenza, and Padua.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following the war against the league, the Scaligeri's dominion was significantly curtailed, leaving them with control primarily over Verona and Vicenza, not Padua.

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Cangrande II della Scala ruled as a benevolent leader, relying on local Veronese support.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cangrande II della Scala's reign is characterized as that of a cruel and suspicious tyrant, who relied heavily on foreign mercenaries rather than local support.

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Cansignorio della Scala gained power by assassinating his brother, Cangrande II.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cansignorio della Scala ascended to power in 1359 subsequent to the assassination of his brother, Cangrande II.

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Antonio I della Scala was the last Scaligeri ruler of Verona.

Answer: True

Explanation: Antonio I della Scala, ruling from 1375 to 1387, was indeed the final Scaligeri lord of Verona before the family's dominion was overthrown.

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Guglielmo della Scala briefly recovered Verona in 1404 before it submitted to Venice.

Answer: True

Explanation: Guglielmo della Scala did indeed manage a brief recovery of Verona in 1404. However, this resurgence was short-lived, as Verona subsequently submitted to the Republic of Venice.

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The Scaligeri rule concluded in 1387 when Verona was conquered by the Republic of Venice.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Scaligeri rule in Verona concluded in 1387 not through conquest by Venice, but due to the military actions of Gian Galeazzo Visconti of Milan, which led to Antonio I della Scala's flight.

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What event led to a significant reduction of the Scaligeri's dominions under Mastino II della Scala?

Answer: A league formed by rival Italian states

Explanation: A formidable coalition, including Florence, Venice, and the Visconti, was formed against Mastino II della Scala in 1337, leading to a substantial reduction of the Scaligeri territories following a protracted war.

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Which two territories remained under Scaligeri control after the war against the league?

Answer: Verona and Vicenza

Explanation: Following the war against the league, the Scaligeri's dominion was significantly curtailed, leaving them with control primarily over Verona and Vicenza.

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How is the reign of Cangrande II della Scala described in the source?

Answer: As the rule of a cruel and suspicious tyrant relying on mercenaries

Explanation: Cangrande II della Scala's reign (1351-1359) is characterized as that of a cruel and suspicious tyrant, who relied heavily on foreign mercenaries rather than local support.

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What significant actions are attributed to Cansignorio della Scala's reign?

Answer: Killing his brother Paolo Alboino and establishing the state treasury

Explanation: Cansignorio della Scala's reign saw him kill his brother Paolo Alboino, and he is also credited with beautifying Verona, constructing public works, and establishing the state treasury.

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Which event marked the definitive end of the Scaligeri's direct rule in Verona?

Answer: The conquest of Verona by Gian Galeazzo Visconti of Milan

Explanation: The direct rule of the Scaligeri family in Verona definitively concluded in 1387 when Gian Galeazzo Visconti of Milan conquered the city, forcing Antonio I della Scala to flee.

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What happened to Verona after Guglielmo della Scala's brief recovery in 1404?

Answer: It submitted to the Republic of Venice.

Explanation: Following Guglielmo della Scala's brief recovery of Verona in 1404 and his subsequent death, the city submitted to the authority of the Republic of Venice.

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Family Lineage and Succession

The Scaliger family was known for its peaceful succession, with no instances of fratricide.

Answer: False

Explanation: The history of the Scaliger family is marked by several instances of fratricide and violent succession disputes, contradicting the notion of peaceful transitions.

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Arduino Della Scala is identified as the earliest known ancestor in the family tree.

Answer: True

Explanation: According to the provided family tree, Arduino Della Scala is designated as the earliest known progenitor of the family.

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Mastino I della Scala was the son of Leonardo della Scala.

Answer: True

Explanation: The family tree indicates that Mastino I della Scala was the son of Leonardo della Scala.

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Alberto I della Scala's mother was Caterina Visconti.

Answer: False

Explanation: Alberto I della Scala's mother was Verde of Salizzolo, not Caterina Visconti. Caterina Visconti was the mother of Cangrande I della Scala.

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Cangrande I della Scala was the son of Alboino della Scala and Caterina Visconti.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cangrande I della Scala's parentage is recorded as Alboino della Scala and his first wife, Caterina Visconti.

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Cangrande II della Scala was the son of Mastino II della Scala.

Answer: True

Explanation: The family lineage confirms that Cangrande II della Scala was indeed the son of Mastino II della Scala.

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Cansignorio della Scala married Agnes of Durazzo and was the son of Cangrande I.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cansignorio della Scala married Agnes of Durazzo, but he was the son of Mastino II della Scala, not Cangrande I.

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Antonio I della Scala was the legitimate son of Guglielmo della Scala.

Answer: False

Explanation: The family tree lists Antonio I della Scala as an illegitimate son, with Guglielmo della Scala identified as his father.

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Who succeeded Cangrande I della Scala as rulers of Verona?

Answer: His nephews, Mastino II and Alberto II

Explanation: Following the death of Cangrande I della Scala, the rule of Verona passed to his nephews, Mastino II and Alberto II della Scala.

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According to the family tree, who were the parents of Alberto I della Scala?

Answer: Mastino I and Verde of Salizzolo

Explanation: Alberto I della Scala's parentage is recorded in the family tree as Mastino I della Scala and Verde of Salizzolo.

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Who was identified as the father of Antonio I della Scala in the family tree?

Answer: Guglielmo della Scala

Explanation: The family tree identifies Guglielmo della Scala as the father of Antonio I della Scala, noting Antonio's illegitimate status.

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Legacy and Cultural Contributions

Cansignorio della Scala is credited with commissioning the construction of the Verona Arena.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Cansignorio della Scala undertook significant building projects in Verona, the Verona Arena predates his rule and is a Roman structure; he is credited with other constructions and beautifications.

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After 1387, the Scaligeri family completely disappeared from historical records.

Answer: False

Explanation: While their direct rule ended in 1387, members of the Scaligeri family and their legacy persisted. Notably, humanist scholars like Giulio Cesare Scaliger and Joseph Justus Scaliger, though their direct lineage is debated, carried the family name forward.

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The Bavarian branch of the Scaliger family, known as von der Leiter, survived until the early 15th century.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Bavarian branch, known as von der Leiter, traced its lineage to Paolo della Scala and survived significantly longer, persisting until the year 1598.

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The Scaligeri tombs are located in Venice and are designed in a Romanesque style.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Scaligeri tombs are prominently located in Verona, adjacent to the church of Santa Maria Antica, and are characterized by their Gothic architectural style, not Romanesque.

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An equestrian statue commemorates Cangrande I della Scala among the Scaliger tombs.

Answer: True

Explanation: Among the Scaliger tombs in Verona, a notable equestrian statue serves as a memorial to Cangrande I della Scala, highlighting his prominence.

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The monument to Cansignorio della Scala was created by the famous artist Giotto.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Gothic monument dedicated to Cansignorio della Scala was created by the sculptor Bonino da Campione, not Giotto.

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The Scaligeri motto, 'Nec descendere nec morari', translates to 'Never give up'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Scaligeri motto, 'Nec descendere nec morari', is more accurately translated as 'He who hesitates is lost', conveying a sense of decisive action rather than simple perseverance.

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The Scaliger Palaces in Verona are considered primary estates associated with the family.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Scaliger Palaces, located in Verona, represent significant architectural and residential structures closely tied to the Scaligeri family's history and status.

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Who were Giulio Cesare Scaliger and Joseph Justus Scaliger, mentioned in the context of the family after 1387?

Answer: Humanist scholars whose connection to the historic family is debated

Explanation: Giulio Cesare Scaliger and his son Joseph Justus Scaliger, prominent figures after 1387, were renowned humanist scholars. Their direct genealogical connection to the historical Scaligeri ruling family of Verona is a subject of scholarly debate.

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The Bavarian branch of the Scaliger family, known as von der Leiter, survived until what year?

Answer: 1598

Explanation: The Bavarian branch of the Scaliger family, identified as von der Leiter, persisted until the year 1598.

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Where are the Scaligeri family tombs located?

Answer: In Verona, near Santa Maria Antica

Explanation: The Scaligeri family tombs are situated in Verona, specifically in the vicinity of the church of Santa Maria Antica.

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What architectural style characterizes the Scaligeri tombs?

Answer: Gothic

Explanation: The Scaligeri tombs are renowned for their distinctive Gothic architectural style, manifesting as elaborate shrines enclosing the sarcophagi.

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Which Scaligeri ruler is honored with an equestrian statue among the family tombs?

Answer: Cangrande I

Explanation: Among the Scaliger tombs in Verona, a notable equestrian statue serves as a memorial to Cangrande I della Scala, highlighting his prominence.

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Who created the Gothic monument for Cansignorio della Scala?

Answer: Bonino da Campione

Explanation: The Gothic monument dedicated to Cansignorio della Scala was created by the sculptor Bonino da Campione in 1374.

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What does the motto 'Nec descendere nec morari' approximately mean?

Answer: He who hesitates is lost

Explanation: The Scaligeri motto, 'Nec descendere nec morari', is more accurately translated as 'He who hesitates is lost', conveying a sense of decisive action rather than simple perseverance.

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The image related to Nicodemo della Scala shows his portrait housed where?

Answer: The episcopal gallery of the Freising Cathedral

Explanation: The portrait of Nicodemo della Scala, a member of the family who pursued an ecclesiastical career, is housed in the episcopal gallery of the Freising Cathedral.

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General Overview and Identification

The noble House of Della Scala, which governed Verona, is commonly referred to in English by which alternative name?

Answer: True

Explanation: The House of Della Scala, the ruling family of Verona, is indeed commonly known by the English appellation 'Scaligers', derived from their Italian name, Scaligeri.

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The Scaligeri family ruled the city of Venice for 125 years.

Answer: False

Explanation: This statement is inaccurate. The Scaligeri family ruled the Lordship of Verona and mainland Veneto for 125 years (1262-1387), but they never ruled Venice itself.

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The official title held by the Scaligeri family was Duke of Verona.

Answer: False

Explanation: The official title held by the Scaligeri family was Lord of Verona (Signore di Verona), not Duke.

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The Stemma della Scala represents the coat of arms of the ruling house of Padua.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Stemma della Scala is the coat of arms specifically associated with the Scaligeri family, the ruling house of Verona, not Padua.

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What were the common names for the House of Della Scala?

Answer: Scaligeri and Scaligers

Explanation: The House of Della Scala was commonly known by its Italian name, Scaligeri, and its English equivalent, Scaligers.

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For how long did the House of Della Scala primarily govern Verona and mainland Veneto?

Answer: Exactly 125 years

Explanation: The House of Della Scala maintained its rule over Verona and mainland Veneto for a period of 125 years, from 1262 to 1387.

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