(born July 27, 1452, Vigevano, Pavia, duchy of Milan—died May 27, 1508, Loches, Toubrenne, France) Regent (1480–94) and duke of Milan (1494–98). The second son of Francesco Sforza, he was known as “the Moor” because of his dark complexion and black hair.
He plotted to take over as regent for his young nephew. He made Milan supreme among the Italian states, and his patronage of scholars and artists such as Leonardo da Vinci made his court renowned in Europe. He bribed Maximilian I to declare him duke of Milan and fought to expel the French from Italy. After Louis XII conquered Milan (1498), Ludovico tried unsuccessfully to retake it (1500); he was captured and died in prison.
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