The Legend of a Great Commander: Giacomo Caldora
(From notes written by Mario Gramegna)
He was undoubtedly one of the greatest captains of the 15th century and held power equal to that of a king. Born in 1368 in Castel del Giudice to a family well-versed in the art of warfare due to a centuries-old tradition, Giacomo did not stray from this path. He soon became an expert captain and an admired rival of Braccio da Montone, Attendolo Sforza, and Piccinino, who are more fortunate in the memory of posterity as they are considered among the greatest Italian commanders.
However, Caldora could boast of having defeated them in open field battles or through strategic maneuvers. In 1414, upon the death of King Ladislaus, Giovanna II ascended the throne of Naples and entrusted Caldora with the defense of Castel S. Angelo in Rome against the assaults of Braccio da Montone.
Caldora played an important role in the dynastic struggle between Giovanna II, Alfonso of Aragon, and Louis of Anjou. With his troops, he defended Naples against the assaults of Attendolo Sforza and Guido Torello, captain of the Visconti militias that came to the aid of the Angevins.
Meanwhile, a dramatic turn of events occurred. Giacomo Caldora, highly ambitious, switched sides to become Captain General after Sforza's death, aligning with Louis of Anjou. Louis immediately sent him against the militias of Braccio and Piccinino, supporters of the Aragonese faction. In the Aterno valley, in a memorable battle showcasing not only the valor of the troops but also the genius of the great commander, the opposing militias were resoundingly defeated.
The victory was spectacular: L'Aquila was conquered, Braccio da Montone died on the battlefield, and Piccinino was taken prisoner. From then on, the honors bestowed upon this great captain were countless. Without questioning his morals (which were those of mercenary captains), it is enough to say that the Great Seneschal of the Kingdom of Naples negotiated the marriage of his son Troiano to Maria, Giacomo's daughter, and his second daughter Emilia to Antonio, the sole heir of the Caldora family. The commander died in Colle Sannita on November 15, 1439, and his name survived in a legendary aura that remembered him even in the centuries that followed.