Ercole I d'Este was an important Italian nobleman who ruled as the Duke of Ferrara from 1471 until his death in 1505. He was a member of the House of Este, a prominent family in the region. Ercole is known for his efforts to enhance the cultural and political status of Ferrara, making it a center for the arts and learning during the Renaissance. Under his rule, Ercole I d'Este supported artists and scholars, including the famous painter Cosimo Tura and the poet Ludovico Ariosto. He also worked to strengthen the duchy's defenses and improve its economy, leaving a lasting impact on the region's development.