Obizzo da Polenta

Obizzo del Polenta was the son of Guido III da Polenta and Lord of Revenna from 1406 to 1431. His father, Guido III da Polenta, was the Lord of Ravenna from 1359 to 1389. In 1389 Obizzo helped to overthrow and imprison his father with the help of his brothers Bernardino, Ostasio, Aldobrandino, Azzo, and Pietro. After his father's death from starvation later that year, his brother Aldobrandino assumed power over the city. His other brothers, Bernardino, Ostasio, Azzo, and Pietro died in the following years, although it has been suggested that they may have been assassinated by Obizzo himself. When his last brother, and Lord of Ravenna, Aldobrandino, died in 1406, Obizzo gained undisputed power over the city.

In 1404 Obizzo signed a treaty with his significantly stronger neighbour, the Republic of Venice. Through this, he received help against the Este of Ferrara in exchange for his role in the Venetian war against the Carraresi. Obizzo was imprisoned during the latter campaign, but was freed after payment of 8,000 ducats. In 1406 he asked Venice to send a podestà in Ravenna as protection for him and his sons. In exchange for this protection, the Ravennate lands would go to Venice in the event of the childless death of Polentano.

He died in 1431 and was succeeded by his son Ostasio under the Venetian regency. However, when Ostasio abandoned the alliance with Venice, they ousted him and annexed Ravenna.

• Pompeo Litta. Famiglie celebri d'Italia. Da Polenta Signori di Ravenna. Torino, 1835.

• Obizzo da Polenta