Francesco I Sforza was an Italian condottiero and the Duke of Milan from 1450 until his death in 1466. Born in 1401, he rose to power through military prowess and strategic marriages, eventually establishing the Sforza dynasty in Milan. His rule marked a significant period of stability and cultural development in the region. Francesco was known for his patronage of the arts and support of notable figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Donato Bramante. He strengthened Milan's defenses and improved its economy, leaving a lasting legacy that influenced the political landscape of northern Italy during the Renaissance.