It had been formed into a compact domain, of comparatively small extent, but of vast commercial and agricultural resources, by the two dynasties of Visconti and Sforza.

In 1494 Lodovico Sforza, surnamed Il Moro, ruled Milan for his nephew, the titular Duke, whom he kept in gilded captivity, and whom he eventually murdered.

In order to secure his usurped authority, this would-be Machiavelli thought it prudent to invite Charles VIII.

into Italy.

Charles was to assert his right to the throne of Naples.