CAPPONI, PIERO (1447-1496), Florentine statesman and soldier, was employed as ambassador by Lorenzo de' Medici. Af ter Lorenzo's death in 1492, Capponi became a leader of the anti-Medicean party. He later became chief of the republic, in which capacity he conducted the negotiations with Charles VIII. of France with conspicuous skill. Charles entered Florence in Nov. 1494 and sought to intimidate the republic ; but Capponi's firm attitude soon caused the king to moderate his demands. After Charles's departure, Capponi led the army of the against the Pisans. He was killed while besieging the castle of Soiana on Sept. 25, 1496.