Battle of Cassano (1259)

The Battle of Cassano was fought in the Autumn of 1259 between Guelph and Ghibelline armies in Northern Italy.

Battle of Cassano
Part of Guelphs and Ghibellines
The Defeat of Ezzelino da Romano
Date September 16, 1259[1][2] Location Cassano d'Adda, Lombardy Result Decisive Guelph victory[2][3]
Belligerents
Guelphs: [3][4][5] House of Este House of Pallavicino House of Della Torre	Ghibellines: [6][7] Brescia, Verona, Vicenza, Pedemonte, German Knights
Commanders and leaders
Azzo VII d'Este [1][5][8][9]	Ezzelino III da Romano+ † [6][9][10][11]
Strength
Troops from:[12][13] Milan, Cremona, Mantua and Ferrara	8,000 Cavalry[6][7] Incl. 3,000 Knights [6][7]
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Heavy[11][12][14]

In 1259, Ezzelino da Romano and his Ghibelline army moved into Lombardy and besieged Orci Novi.[8] However, the approach of the Guelph army forced Ezzelino to abandon the siege and cross the Oglio River. Joined by exiled nobles from Milan, the Ghibellines attempted to take the city of Monza by force but failed.[12] Ezzelino and his troops, aware of their now-dangerous position, retreated to the Adda River.[12]

Here, Ezzelino and his troops were defeated by the Guelphs under Azzo VII d'Este.[6][10] Ezzelino was wounded and captured,[3] and imprisoned at Soncino, where he died of his wounds a few days later.[8]

In Soncino, a weekly bell ring recalls Ezzelino III da Romano's death. Legend has it that he was buried with his treasure.