Fos'cari

Fos'cari, FRANCESCO, Doge of Venice during the most flourishing period of the Venetian power. Born about 1370, and elected doge in 1423, his ambition speedily involved the state in a conflict with Milan, which, however, in consequence of the doge's great military ability resulted in the aggrandisement of Venice by the Treaty of Ferrara (1433). The last years of the doge were embittered by the misfortunes that overtook his son, Giacopo, who was, by authority of the Council, three times tortured in his father's presence and banished, on the first two occasions on false charges, on the third occasion for having besought foreign intercession against the injustice to which he was being subjected. Giacopo died in Candia shortly after his last cruel torturing and banishment. The old doge was allowed to resign office in 1457, and died seven days later, on 1st November. Byron made the tragic history of father and son the subject of The Two Foscare.