244 Este family
Bernard McGinn, ed., Visions of the End (New York:
Columbia University Press, 1998 [1979]).
Este family The Estes were a noble family of the feu-
dal aristocracy who settled in FERRARAin Emilia, ITA LY,in
the 11th century. In the 12th century they became one of
the leading families of the city. In 1196, Azzo VI (ca.
1170–1212) became PODESTÀof Ferrara and established
his rule over a group of towns in the Po River delta. In
1208 he eliminated rival families from the local govern-
ment and became signoreor lord of Ferrara, ruling over
an Emilian state. In the 13th century, the Estes adopted
an anti-imperial policy, becoming a leading GUELF
dynasty. From 1240 onward, they fought successfully
against FREDERICKII. Azzo VII (ca. 1205–64); who led
the army, took advantage of his victory over Ezzelino da
Romano (1194–1259) to create a powerful state, whose
alliance was sought in 1266 by MANFREDof HOHEN-
STAUFENand CHARLESI OFANJOU. His illegitimate son,
Obizzo II (ca. 1247–94), strengthened the Estes’ author-
ity in Ferrara, encouraged economic development, and
destroyed the power of the GUILDS, the last obstacle to the
absolute power of the Este family. In the 14th century
they were able to consolidate their state by becoming
papal representatives in Emilia and fighting against
VENICE, which had been attempting to conquer Ferrara.
Toward the end of the century, the stable and wealthy
court in Ferrara became one of the most brilliant in Italy,
in which a cultural and artistic revival was encouraged,