Longabarba, Bona (fl. 15th c.)

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Longabarba, Bona (fl. 15th c.)

Italian noblewoman and military leader. Flourished in 15th century in Lombardy; married.

An Italian military leader, Bona Longabarba fought with her husband in several battles. She was a Lombard noblewoman who became a respected leader of soldiers, known for her great strategic abilities and her skill at inspiring bravery even when a battle seemed lost. In one instance, Bona led troops to the castle of an enemy who had taken her husband prisoner; under her command, the troops stormed the castle, rescued her husband, and killed her enemy and his supporters.

Laura York , Riverside, California

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