Alfonso IV d'Este

Alfonso IV d'Este (1634 - July 16, 1662) was Duke of Modena and Reggio from 1658 until his death.

Born in Modena as the eldest son of Francesco I d'Este, he became Duke of Modena and Reggio after his father's death in 1658.

Alfonso had a very bad health, suffering from gout and tubercolosis. He died young and his reign only lasted for four years.

In 1659 came an end to the Franco-Spanish War, and Modena was rewarded with the town of Correggio for supporting France.

In 1655 he married Laura Martinozzi, Cardinal Mazarin's niece, strengthening the alliance with France. They had two children:

He was succeeded by his son, aged two years, under the regency of Laura Martinozzi.

[edit] Ancestors

**Alfonso's ancestors in three generations**
Alfonso IV d'Este	Father: Francesco I d'Este	Paternal Grandfather: Alfonso III d'Este	Paternal Great-grandfather: Cesare d'Este
			Paternal Great-grandmother: Virginia de' Medici
		Paternal Grandmother: Isabella of Savoy	Paternal Great-grandfather: Carlo Emanuele I, Duke of Savoy
			Paternal Great-grandmother: Caterina Micaela of Spain
	Mother: Maria Caterina Farnese of Parma	Maternal Grandfather: Ranuccio I Farnese, Duke of Parma	Maternal Great-grandfather: Alexander Farnese, Duke of Parma
			Maternal Great-grandmother: Infanta Maria of Guimarães
		Maternal Grandmother: Margherita Aldobrandini	Maternal Great-grandfather: Giovanni Francesco Aldobrandini
			Maternal Great-grandmother: Olimpia Aldobrandini

Preceded by Francesco I	Duke of Modena and Reggio 1658–1662	Succeeded by Francesco II