Obizzo II d'Este

Nevertheless, this situation changed in 1251 when his father Rinaldo, a hostage of emperor Frederick II since 1238, was poisoned with his barren wife, Adelaide da Romano.

Without any other sons to continue his line, the Margrave Azzo VII saw in Obizzo the only chance of survival of the House of Este and fought for his recognition as his heir.

Azzo claimed the government as the eldest son (primogeniture) but his brothers Aldobrandino and Francesco made a violent dispute for their rights.

Finally, they made a divisionary treaty over the lands: Azzo retained Ferrara, Aldobrandino received Modena and Francesco obtained Reggio Emilia.

Obizzo d'Este is cited in Dante's Inferno and is in the first compartment of the Seventh Circle of Hell for purchasing Ghisola from her brother Venedico Cacciamenico for sexual relations.