Facino Cane

Facino Cane was born in Casale Monferrato to a noble family that produced a number of military captains and administrators.

[5] Facino's aim in wars was almost exclusively the enrichment of himself and his soldiers, resulting in continued savage acts of ruthlessness and cruelties against the population.

By this time, Facino appears to have increased his wealth and following by marrying Beatrice, the daughter of a cousin, Ruggero Cane [it], who had been a captain in the service of the Visconti.

On 24 January 1406, Facino was invested as Count of Biandrate by Filippo Maria Visconti, in the presence of the Marquess of Montferrat.

His widow Beatrice married Duke Filippo Maria Visconti, who therefore inherited the cities, the treasure and the soldiers of Facino.