3 mighty city-states roughly forming an equilateral triangle were Venice, Florence & this one where Viscontis & Sforzas ruled
On the April 1, 2025 episode of Jeopardy!, the Final Jeopardy clue came from the category Italian History. The clue read: “3 mighty city-states roughly forming an equilateral triangle were Venice, Florence & this one where Viscontis & Sforzas ruled.”
What is Milan?
This northern Italian city played a pivotal role in the politics, economics, and warfare of the Italian peninsula during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance. Its significance as a city-state is directly tied to the influence of two ruling dynasties—the Visconti and the Sforza families.
Milan’s Role Among Italy’s Major City-States
During the Renaissance, Italy was not a unified country but a collection of competing city-states, each with its own military, economic, and cultural power. Venice, Florence, and Milan were three of the most dominant, strategically located in a rough triangular arrangement across northern and central Italy. While Venice dominated maritime trade and Florence was a hub of banking and art, Milan was renowned for its military strength and territorial ambition.
Milan was ruled by the Visconti family beginning in the late 13th century. Under their leadership, the city expanded its control over much of northern Italy. The Viscontis transformed Milan into a formidable duchy, setting the stage for the Sforza family, who came to power in the mid-15th century. Francesco Sforza, a skilled condottiero (mercenary leader), married into the Visconti family and seized control after the last Visconti duke died without an heir.
The Legacy of the Viscontis and Sforzas
The Viscontis were instrumental in centralizing power in Milan and building strong administrative and military systems. They were known for their ambitious building projects, including the construction of the iconic Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano), which was begun during their reign. Their rule laid the groundwork for Milan to become one of the wealthiest and most influential cities in Italy.
The Sforzas continued this legacy, most notably under Ludovico Sforza, also known as “Il Moro.” He became a key patron of the arts and employed Leonardo da Vinci, whose contributions during his time in Milan included The Last Supper. Under Sforza rule, Milan thrived not only as a military power but also as a center of Renaissance culture. However, the family’s influence would eventually wane due to foreign invasions and political instability.
Strategic Importance and Influence
Milan’s geographic position contributed to its status as a dominant city-state. Nestled in the fertile Po Valley and situated near key trade routes connecting Italy to the rest of Europe, Milan controlled both commerce and military movement through the region. Its fortifications and urban infrastructure made it one of the most resilient cities in Italy during repeated wars and invasions throughout the 15th and 16th centuries.
Despite not being as famous as Florence for its artists or as exotic as Venice in its Eastern connections, Milan was essential to the balance of power on the Italian peninsula. It was frequently a key player in the shifting alliances that characterized Italian politics during the Renaissance, especially in conflicts such as the Italian Wars, where French, Spanish, and Holy Roman forces vied for control of the region.
Conclusion: Why Milan Was the Right Answer
The clue’s reference to an equilateral triangle of city-states and the mention of the Viscontis and Sforzas offered a clear pathway to Milan as the correct response. For centuries, the city was a political and military heavyweight whose rulers shaped not only local governance but also the broader course of Italian and European history. The ruling families of Milan left behind a legacy of urban development, artistic patronage, and political intrigue that helped define the character of the Renaissance in northern Italy.
Milan’s place alongside Venice and Florence in this triangle of power reflects its importance in the historical landscape of pre-unification Italy. The Visconti and Sforza names remain emblematic of the dynastic power struggles that characterized the era, making Milan a fitting and historically grounded answer to this Final Jeopardy clue.