Farnese family
Rulers of Parma and Piacenza, 1545-1731. First mentioned as a noble family in the 12th century, when they held several fiefs in Latium, the Farnese were consistent supporters of the Papacy and enjoyed considerable prestige in the time of Alexander VI because of the Pope's supposed liaison with Giulia Farnese. Their history as an Italian ruling family dates from 1534, when Alessandro Farnese became Pope Paul III. In 1545 Paul created his son Pierluigi (1503-47) Duke of Parma and Piacenza. Pierluigi's attempt to subject all the inhabitants of his duchy to the rule of law earned him the hatred of the nobility and he was assassinated. His son Ottavio further strengthened the family's position by marrying Margaret, illegitimate daughter of Charles V. Ottavio's brother Cardinal Alessandro (1520-89), patron of Bembo and Vasari, was responsible for completing the Farnese Palace in Rome. Ottavio's son Alessandro (1545-92) was one of the greatest generals of his age.
