Opicino Spinola
Encyclopedia
Opecino Spinola was a political leader in Genoa
in the early 15th Century. He was one of the richest men in Genoa in his time.
Spinola's daughter, Argentina Spinola, married Theodore I of Montferrat. After this marriage Spinola used his wealth to restore Theodore to power in Montferrat
which had been invaded by other forces since the death of his uncle.
In January 1306 as a result of his impressive wealth, the people of Genoa revised their government and put Spinola in as Captain of the People along with Bernado Doria. Doria's daughter was married to the Marquis of Saluzzo who claimed some of the territory of the Marquis of Montferrat. These overlapping claims lead to dis-union between the two captain of the people. In 1310 Spinola managed to get himself appointed the sole Captain of the People for life. However, even some other Spinola disliked his growing power, and later in the year Opicino lost in a struggle. In 1311 he was placed under perpetual banishment from Genoa.
He is also called Opizzino Spinola. He was a member of the Spinola Family
.
Genoa
Genoa |Ligurian]] Zena ; Latin and, archaically, English Genua) is a city and an important seaport in northern Italy, the capital of the Province of Genoa and of the region of Liguria....
in the early 15th Century. He was one of the richest men in Genoa in his time.
Spinola's daughter, Argentina Spinola, married Theodore I of Montferrat. After this marriage Spinola used his wealth to restore Theodore to power in Montferrat
Montferrat
Montferrat is part of the region of Piedmont in Northern Italy. It comprises roughly the modern provinces of Alessandria and Asti. Montferrat is one of the most important wine districts of Italy...
which had been invaded by other forces since the death of his uncle.
In January 1306 as a result of his impressive wealth, the people of Genoa revised their government and put Spinola in as Captain of the People along with Bernado Doria. Doria's daughter was married to the Marquis of Saluzzo who claimed some of the territory of the Marquis of Montferrat. These overlapping claims lead to dis-union between the two captain of the people. In 1310 Spinola managed to get himself appointed the sole Captain of the People for life. However, even some other Spinola disliked his growing power, and later in the year Opicino lost in a struggle. In 1311 he was placed under perpetual banishment from Genoa.
He is also called Opizzino Spinola. He was a member of the Spinola Family
Spinola Family
The Spinola were a leading political family in Genoa in the 13th and 14th centuries.Guido Spinola was one of the first important members of the family. He served as Consul of Genoa in 1102. The Spinola were generally Ghibellines and in league with the Doria Family.The next Spinola to come to...
.
Sources
- Epstain, Steve. Genoa and the Genoese. p. 325.
- Malleson, George Bruce. Studies in Genoese History. p. 300