ABSTRACT
The papacy was the nominal overlord of all the petty independent states. Imola and Forli had formerly been under Florentine influence. The Count and Countess went off to the Romagna and took up residence in Forli. They built a palace and strengthened and enlarged the rocca, or fortress, of Ravaldino. Caterina may have detested her husband, but she never doubted for a moment his and her right to rule over Imola and Forli. Count Girolamo Riario was forty-five when he was slain. His worst crimes had been committed in Rome. His rule in Imola and Forli had been mild. As the Orsi might have expected, help came from both Milan and Bologna. When the relief force neared Forli, the principal conspirators fled. Cecco and Lodovico Orsi, with two married sons, two cousins and a brother-in-law, all scurried off. Caterina was a widow and Lady of Forli.
