Giovanni Malatesta

Who was Giovanni Malatesta?

Giovanni Malatesta, known, from his lameness, as Gianciotto, or Giovanni, lo Sciancato, was the eldest son of Malatesta da Verucchio of Rimini.

From 1275 onwards he played an active part in the Romagnole Wars and factions. He is chiefly famous for the domestic tragedy of 1285, recorded in Dante's Inferno, when, having detected his wife, Francesca da Polenta, in adultery with his brother Paolo, he killed them both with his own hands.

He captured Pesaro in 1294, and ruled it as podestà until his death.