Synopsis

Alessandro Farnese, the Vatican's treasurer, declared that the signories of Imola and Forlì had failed to remit their taxes. The Pope, incensed, summoned Caterina Sforza, Regent of the two principalities, along with her son, the heir apparent. Bitter at the burden of excessive taxation, Caterina plotted to assassinate the Pontiff. Separately, Cesare, leading an army of three hundred men, successfully seized control of the Duchy of Milan.