S4 E13 Ezzelino III da Romano: The Butcher of the March

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Step into the blood-soaked streets of 13th-century northern Italy, where political rivalry was a death sentence and mercy was a forgotten word. In this episode of The Dark History Podcast, we uncover the chilling story of Ezzelino III da Romano, a warlord so feared that even Dante placed him in the Seventh Circle of Hell.

Ruling during the brutal conflict between the Guelphs and Ghibellines, Ezzelino rose from minor nobility to become one of the most infamous figures in medieval Europe. Aligning himself with the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II, he carved out a vast domain through intimidation, political manipulation, and calculated slaughter. His reign was marked by torture chambers, public executions, and the eradication of entire families.

At the height of his power, Ezzelino laid siege to the proud Guelph stronghold of Padua in 1256. What followed was not a victory, but a massacre—thousands killed, priests mutilated, women and children slaughtered, and the city reduced to a smouldering warning. Chroniclers claimed that in just two years, over 11,000 people perished under his rule. Whether exaggerated or not, the terror he inspired was real.

We trace Ezzelino’s rise, his calculated brutality, and his inevitable downfall as the Pope declared a crusade against him—a rare honour reserved for only the most despised of enemies. Captured at the Battle of Cassano in 1259, Ezzelino refused food, medicine, or confession, dying in prison as the cities he once ruled celebrated his demise.

From fortress intrigue and political betrayal to siege warfare and mass executions, this is the story of a man who turned cruelty into a system of governance. Perfect for listeners drawn to medieval history, true crime, and the study of absolute power, this episode serves as both a deep historical dive and a grim cautionary tale.

Join us as we bring Ezzelino III da Romano out of the shadows of history, to stand once more in the light—if only to remind us how far human cruelty can reach.

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