Albert Azzo II, Margrave of Milan
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Albert Azzo II (c. 997–c. 1097), Margrave of Milan and Liguria, Count of Gavello and Padua, Rovigo, Lunigiana, Monfelice, and Montagrana, was a powerful nobleman in the Holy Roman Empire.
Albert Azzo II was the only son of Albert Azzo I, Margrave of Milan. He inherited his father's offices around 1020, and continuously increased his properties in northern Italy. In 1069–1070, he tried to acquire Maine for his son Hugh, because his wife, Garsende, was the heiress of the previous counts of Maine. Hugh was declared count, but could not prevail against the dukes of Normandy. In the Investiture Controversy between Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor, and Pope Gregory VII, Azzo attempted to mediate, but later he joined the side of the Pope. Around 1073 he made a castle at Este his residence, from which the House of Este, the dynasty to which he belongs, takes its name.
[edit] Family
Azzo II married Cuniza, daughter of Welf II, Count of Altdorf, around 1035. They had one known child:
- Welf (died 1101)
His second marriage was to Garsende, daughter of Herbert I, Count of Maine, around 1050. They had the following known sons:
- Fulco I, Margrave of Milan (died 1128)
- Hugh V, Count of Maine (died 1131)
Thirdly, he married Matilda, sister of William, Bishop of Padua, with whom he had no known children.
