Ciro Menotti

Menotti was born in Migliarina, near Carpi, then part of the Duchy of Modena and Reggio.

From 1820 he held contacts with French intellectuals, with the goal to free Modena from the Austrian control.

Initially, Duke Francis IV declared favorably for Menotti's claim, probably encouraged at the possibility of becoming its king in a future unified Northern Italy.

Menotti organized a revolt in Modena for 3 February 1831 but, in a brusque volte-face, Francis denied him his support, and even, from his voluntary exile in Mantua, called the help of Austria and its allies.

A monument in Modena was built to Menotti in 1879, facing the former Grand Duke's palace.