Duke of Ferrara and of Modena

This is a list of rulers of the estates owned by the Este family, which main line of Marquesses (Marchesi d'Este) rose in 1039 with Albert Azzo II, Margrave of Milan. The name "Este" is related to the city where the family came from, Este.

From the Lordship of Este to the Duchy of Ferrara-Modena-Reggio The family was founded by Adalbert the Margrave, who might have been the true first margrave of Milan of this family. In 1209, Azzo VI was named the first marquess of Ferrara. The title passed to his descendants, and the marquisate was delegated to a cadet branch of the Este family. Later, they were also created marquesses of Modena and Reggio.

In 1452 Borso d'Este, then marquis of Modena and Reggio, was raised by Emperor Frederick III with the title of duke of Modena and Reggio. In 1471, Pope Paul II formally elevated him in as Duke of Ferrara, over which the family had in fact long presided.

This latter territory was lost to the Papal States in 1597, while the House of Este continued to rule the Duchy of Modena and Reggio in the Emilia region until 1796, when it became part of Napoleon Bonaparte's Cispadane Republic. In 1814, the duchy was restored under the Habsburg grandson of the last Este duke, continuing until it was annexed by Piedmont-Sardinia in 1859.

Rulers

House of Este

Partitions of Este territories under Este rule +        Marquisate of Este(940–1463)(acquired Ferrara 1187,recovered 1240Ferrara was briefly lost to the Torelli family in 1222-1240.);(acquired Modena 1288;and Reggio 1289) Marquisateof Modena(1st creation)(1293–1361)      Marquisateof Ferrara(1293–1308)Reggio to Papal States(1306–1405) Modenese Republic(1308–1336)Ferrara toPapal States(1308–1317)Marquisateof Ferrara(1317–1405)Marquisateof Modena(2nd creation)(1336–1361)            Marquisate of Modena, Ferrara and Reggio(1405–1471)Raised to:Duchy of Modena, Ferrara and Reggio(1471–1597)(lost Ferrara 1597)      Ferrara lost to Papal States 1597Marquisate ofSan Martino in Rio(1490–1757) Marquisateof Montecchio(1st creation)(1562–1587)              Marquisateof Lanzo(1592–1652)                      Marquisateof Scandiano(1643–1725)Marquisate ofMontecchio(2nd creation)(1638–1713)       Marquisateof Dronero(1653–1734)Marquisateof Borgomanero(1652–1734)                                    Dronero inherited byBirago di Vische family                    

Table of rulers