The Tigress of Forli: Renaissance Italy’s Most Courageous and Notorious Countess, Caterina Riario Sforza de’ Medici by Elizabeth Lev

Caterina Riario Sforza de' Medici is one of the most controversial and powerful figures of the Italian Renaissance. As a woman in a highly male-dominated society, she rose to great power and wealth, only to be betrayed and killed by her own family.

Caterina was born in 1463 in Milan to Galeazzo Maria Sforza, Duke of Milan and Bianca Maria Visconti. She was brought up in a privileged home and received an extensive education that included intense language study and the study of philosophy, poetry, and mathematics.

Caterina was married in 1477 at the age of 14 to Girolamo Riario, a member of the powerful Florentine family, the Medici. As a dowry, Caterina's parents gave her a large estate at Forlì in Northern Italy.

The young couple moved to Forlí and began to expand the estate. Unbeknownst to Caterina, her husband had forged a close friendship with the head of the Medici family, Lorenzo de’ Medici. Together they plotted to overthrow the existing government in Forlì and make Girolamo its ruler.

Caterina played an important role in the coup. Fearing for her husband’s safety, she organized a militia of loyal soldiers from her lands and led them into battle against the government forces. Her courage and strategic skills helped to secure victory.

The pair were crowned as rulers of Forlì and terrorized the population for the next fifteen years. Girolamo acted as a tyrant, abusing his authority and enriching himself through heavy taxation. Caterina, however, tried to protect her people and encouraged commerce, trade and education.

In 1500, Girolamo was assassinated and Caterina took control of the duchy of Forlì. She succeeded in restoring law and order and began to grant the people of Forlì greater autonomy. However, her reign was short-lived. In 1502, the Medici declared her an outlaw and forced her to surrender by sending a massive army to besiege her castle.

Caterina was forced to surrender and sent to Rome as a prisoner. She was eventually released but, at the command of Pope Alexander VI, had to cede control of Forlì, ending her brief reign.

Despite her misfortune, Caterina remained true to her principles, refusing to submit to any more demands from the Medici. When Caterina died in 1510, she left behind a legacy of courage and determination rarely seen in a woman of her time.

The story of Caterina Riario Sforza de’ Medici is a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs, even in the face of great odds. She is an inspiring example of a woman who defied conventional gender roles to forge her own destiny.

Elizabeth Lev's book, The Tigress of Forlì: Renaissance Italy’s Most Courageous and Notorious Countess, Caterina Riario Sforza de’ Medici, tells Caterina’s story in all its complexity and detail. Exploring the full range of Caterina’s life and times, Lev paints a vivid portrait of a woman whose determination and courage allowed her to rise above her circumstances.

The Tigress of Forlì is not just the story of a powerful woman, but also a timely reminder of the importance of standing up against injustice and fighting for one’s principles, no matter the cost.

Through her eloquent prose, Lev allows readers to appreciate and understand Caterina’s struggles and triumphs. The book is an inspiring testament to the power of courage and tenacity in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.