Ludovico I Gonzaga

The first Gonzaga family members of historical importance are known to have collaborated in the Guelph faction alongside the monks of the Polirone Abbey.

Beginning in the twelfth century, they have become an important family in Mantua, and had grown richer when their allies, the Bonacolsi, defeated the traditional familiar enemy, the Casalodi.

In 1328, however, Ludovico I Gonzaga overthrows the Bonacolsi lordship over the city with the help of the Scaliger family, and enters the Ghibelline party as capitano del popolo ("people's captain") of Mantua and imperial vicar of emperor Louis IV.