Page "Scaliger" Paragraph 1

The noble family of the Scaliger ( also Scaligeri, from de Scalis or della Scala ) were Lords of Verona.

When Ezzelino III was elected podestà of the commune in 1226, he was able to convert the office into a permanent lordship.

Upon his death the Great Council elected as podestà Mastino I, who succeeded in converting the signoria ( seigniory ) into a family inheritance, governing at first with the acquiescence of the commune, then, when they failed to re-elect him in 1262, he effected a coup d ' état and was acclaimed capitano del popolo (" people's captain "), at the head of the commune's troops.

In 1272 Mastino was killed by a faction of the nobles.

The reign of his son Alberto as capitano ( 1277-1302 ) was one incessant war against the counts of San Bonifacio, who were aided by the House of Este.

Of his three sons, Cangrande I inherited the podestà position in 1308, only the last shared the government ( 1308 ) and made a name as warrior, prince and patron of Dante, Petrarch and Giotto.

By war or treaty he brought under his control the cities of Padua ( 1328 ), Treviso ( 1329 ), and Vicenza.