Italian Dynasties

Venice had a meritocratic leadership selection for its Doges. Padua's leaders tended to get murdered. Venice ultimately conquered Padua. The Gonzaga family controlled Mantua. Milan was led by the Sforzas, descended from the Viscontis. The Orsini family is linked through the French to the Woodvilles. The Medici, built upon the families of the Sforza, the Visconti and the Orsini, produced two Queens of France and three Popes.