BRACCIO (bra'ch6) DA MONTO'NE, Andrea, Italian captain: b. Perugia of the il lustrious family of the Fortebracci 1368; d. 1424. He early embraced the profession of arms, and entered the service of Ladislas, King of Naples, under the promise that he, if successful, would make him master of Peru gia; but when the Perugians, determined to keep out Braccio, offered to open their gates to Ladislas, if he would retain it for him self, he broke faith with Braccio, and ac cepted their terms. Braccio next served under Florence, afterward attaching him self to Pope John XXIII, who, on repairing to the Council of Constance, where he was deposed, entrusted Braccio with the defense of Bologna. Ladislas being now dead, and the church without a head, Braccio saw that the moment for which he had waited had arrived; and allowing the Bolognese to redeem their liberty by a money payment, suddenly, in 1416, pounced on Perugia. The Perugians vainly en deavored to resist, and saw themselves com pelled to receive Braccio as their lord. His
rule, though firm and occasionally severe, was milder than might have been anticipated; and he soon showed that his wisdom as a statesman was not less than his ability as a captain, Though Braccio had now gained the great object of his life, ambition led him to attempt the conquest of Rome, and he gained several advantages over Sforza, who had long been his rival. Ultimately, however, the new Pope, Martin V, proved more than a match for him. A truce was patched up between them and soon after Braccio became High Constable of Naples. He took Capua, of which he was made prince in 1421. Three years later he invaded Campa nia and Apulia, took Bari and laid siege to Aquila, but was here made prisoner and severely wounded. He took the disgrace seri ously and would neither take food nor allow his wounds to be examined. Consult Spirito, Lorenzo Marie) (Vicenza 1489).