Caterina Sforza, later known as the “Tigress of Forlì”, was one of the most formidable figures of late medieval Italy. Born into the powerful Sforza family, she rose to dominate the ruthless world of 15th-century Italian politics, where alliances shifted as quickly as daggers were drawn. At the height of her power, Caterina ruled multiple territories, navigated the dangerous intrigues of papal courts, and personally led her forces during brutal sieges. But her story doesn’t end on the battlefield. She was also a scholar and experimenter, delving into alchemy, medicine, botany, and even early cosmetics, recording her findings in detailed writings that blurred the line between science and legend.