Italy in the 1400's was a land of contradictions. The cradle of the Renaissance was encapsulated with bloody warfare and nefarious plots; beautiful and deadly. Only a backdrop such as this could produce a woman like Caterina Sfroza.

Born the illegitimate daughter to one of the wealthiest men in Romagna, her upbringing was on par with any prince of Europe. She was trained to observe, calculate, hunt and fight. But most of all, she was conditioned to be loyal to her family above all others.

In Part 1 of this series, we will discuss her youth. Her evolution from a child-bride to a young mother. And from a sweet and beguiling Countess to the adversary of the Vatican itself.

TW: Some discussion of childhood trauma, SA.