The Prince, Part 28 summary
Part 28 of 28 · 39 min to read the part
In The Life of Castruccio Castracani of Lucca, an abandoned child becomes a soldier, gains control of Lucca and Pisa, and extends his power through military skill, alliances, and deception. His victories and harsh suppression of rivals strengthen his rule, while his defeat of the Florentines leads them to accept King Ruberto’s protection and authority.
What happens
- Madonna Dianora finds the infant Castruccio, and Messer Antonio raises him before allowing him to train as a soldier under Messer Francesco Guinigi.
- Castruccio helps Uguccione seize Lucca, defeats the Guelph army, survives imprisonment, and drives Uguccione out with popular support.
- Military conquests, bribed supporters, popular election, and Frederick’s favor establish Castruccio as ruler of Lucca and Pisa.
- Castruccio executes the surrendered Poggio rebels, removes potential rivals, builds a fortress, and captures Pistoia by deceiving both factions.
- While Castruccio restores order in Rome through grain supplies and punishment, Florentine-backed exiles recover Pistoia.
- Castruccio defeats the Florentines at Serravalle, recovers Pistoia, and threatens Florence, which accepts King Ruberto’s rule.
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In this part
Quick check
Why does Castruccio choose to confront the larger Florentine army at Serravalle?
Cite this page
“The Prince, Part 28 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026, libraryofalexandria.com/pages/the-prince-part-28-summary.
Library of Alexandria. (2026). The Prince, Part 28 summary. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/the-prince-part-28-summary
“The Prince, Part 28 summary.” Library of Alexandria, 2026. https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/the-prince-part-28-summary.
@misc{the_prince_part_28_summary_2026,
title = {The Prince, Part 28 summary},
publisher = {Library of Alexandria},
year = {2026},
url = {https://libraryofalexandria.com/pages/the-prince-part-28-summary}
}
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