Gianni de' Soldanieri

Giani de Soldanier or Giovanni de Soldanieri was an Italian politician, born in Florence to a Ghibelline family.

He is best known for being found in the 9th circle of hell (canto 32), reserved for those who sin by treachery, by Dante in his epic Inferno.

<blockquote>

• Gianni de' Soldanier credo che sia

I think Gianni de' Soldanier is farther on,

• più là con Ganellone e Tebaldello,

with Ganelon and Tebaldello,

• ch'aprì Faenza quando si dormia.

who opened up Faenza while it slept. </blockquote>

Historians hold that while serving as potesta or lord of Faenza, with the help of Tribadello di Zambrasi, he betrayed the town to the Guelfs of Bologna.

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