Caterina Sforza was the Countess of Forlì and the Lady of Imola. Sforza governed Imola firstly with her husband Girolamo Riario, and following his death as a regent of her minor son, Ottaviano Riario. She was known to be a fierce woman who did not limit herself to live within the royal walls and seek a comfortable lifestyle. Sforza studied alchemy and took great interest in warfare. She also loved dancing. Caterina Sforza is regarded very highly for her role in the Italian Renaissance movement. She earned the respect of the common folks after standing against the Duke of Valentinois Cesare Borgia when he tried to annex her territories. There are many tales that glorify her bravery in resisting the duke and his army at the fortress Rocca di Ravaldino. Her fearless resistance earned her the title ‘La Tigre’ (The Tiger).
