ABSTRACT
Roberto Malatesta had fought bravely and capably at his father’s side. Roberto promised Pope Paul in writing that if supported with adequate funds he would capture Rimini for the Church. Venice joined the Pope. But Milan, Florence, Naples and Federigo of Urbino sided with Roberto because they all objected to an increase in papal power in the Romagna. Federigo had no objections to Malatestas in general—only to Sigismondo Malatesta. In many ways Roberto resembled Sigismondo. He was a greatly admired condottiere and earned die name Roberto the Magnificent. In 1482, fighting for Sixtus in the War of Ferrara he won a much more important victory over the Neapolitan army commanded by Alfonso, Duke of Calabria. Only a month after this triumph the magnificent Roberto died in Rome, probably of malaria or dysentery. Roberto’s son, Pandolfo, only seven when his father died, was as wicked as his ancestors, but not nearly as brave and able.
