Page "John Hawkwood" Paragraph 13

In 1377, Hawkwood led the destruction of Cesena by mercenary armies, acting in the name of Pope Gregory XI.

One tale claims that he had promised the people that they would be spared, but Cardinal Robert of Geneva ordered them all killed.

Shortly after, he switched allegiance to the anti-papal league and married Donnina Visconti, the illegitimate daughter of Bernabò Visconti, the Duke of Milan.

A quarrel with Bernardo soon ended the alliance, and Hawkwood instead signed an agreement with Florence.