Bonacolsi

The Bonacolsi (also known as Bonacossi) were an Italian noble family who ruled Mantua as Lords from 1274 to 1328. Pinamonte Bonacolsi seized power in Mantua through a coup, initially serving as capitano del popolo (captain of the people) before establishing a hereditary lordship. The Bonacolsi period was marked by relative stability and economic growth for Mantua, fostering artistic patronage and infrastructural development. Notable members of the family included Pinamonte, Bardellone, Guido, and Rinaldo. The Bonacolsi rule ended when Luigi Gonzaga, with the support of the Scaligeri family of Verona, overthrew Rinaldo in 1328, establishing the Gonzaga dynasty as the new rulers of Mantua.