A dominant ruler who governed Milan through an efficient and just system and intrigue. Gian Galeazzo Visconti was born into a noble Milanese family. After his father's death, he ruled Milan jointly with his uncle Bernabò. In 1385, he seized power through a coup and imprisoned his uncle, who soon died in captivity, allegedly poisoned on Gian Galeazzo's orders. After securing Milan, he turned against Verona. By allying with Mantua and other city-states and exploiting Venice's inability to intervene, he captured Verona and took control of its defenses and taxes, making it a base for expansion. Vicenza and Padua soon followed. He then spent 100,000 florins to purchase the title of Duke of Milan from the King of the Romans, legitimizing his conquests within the Holy Roman Empire. His expansion was backed by strong internal reforms. Gian Galeazzo reorganized the chancery to standardize decrees, appointments, justice, and diplomacy, ensuring orders were traceable. He centralized revenues under ducal