Giulio Cesare Varano

Giulio Cesare da Varano (1434–1502) was an Italian condottiero who ruled the city state of Camerino from 1447 until his death in 1502.

Life He was the son of Giovanni II da Varano and Bartolomea Smeducci di Sanseverino. He was rescued from the general massacre of his family (the da Varano massacre) by his aunt, and he was sent to live in Fabriano to ensure his safety. In 1447, he inherited the lordship of Camerino and shared this title with his cousin, Rodolfo. In 1464 he was widely suspected of murdering his cousin Rodolfo, by poisoning him, in order to secure sole rulership of Camerino.

He would become an enemy of Pope Alexander VI and his son, Cesare Borgia. After Borgia's fall from power Camerino would be ruled by Giulio Cesare' son, Giovanni Maria da Varano, as the Duke of Camerino.