Giovanni dalle Bande Nere was the last great mercenary captain of the Italian Renaissance. A fearless leader, his death in November 1526 marked a turning point in the Italian Wars. His fall cleared the path for the advance of the Landsknechts, ultimately leading to the Sack of Rome in 1527, an event that reshaped European history.

Yet Giovanni’s legacy extends beyond the battlefield. His life and death are woven into the politics, art, and culture of his time, immortalized in the portraits of Bronzino and the imagination of generations. But who was he, truly? And what were the real circumstances of his death?

Science, using paleopathology and forensic medicine, now offers new insights into his fatal wounds, the medical treatments he attempted, and the historical forces at play. Professor Gino Fornaciari, MD, a pioneer in bioarchaeology, is leading this investigation. Be prepared for a deep dive into Italian history like never before!