Egidio Boccanegra

Egidio Boccanegra, called Barbanera (c. 1300–1367), was a Genoese admiral and brother of Simone Boccanegra, Genoa's first doge. In 1340 he brought three galleys to Philip VI's fleet at Sluys and warned the French commanders that their packed lines left no room to manoeuvre; they ignored him, the English won, and he was one of the few captains to escape.

That year the Marinids wrecked Castile's fleet, and Alfonso XI hired Genoese galleys and made him admiral. In 1342 Egidio beat the Marinid squadrons, then blockaded Algeciras until it surrendered in 1344.

He later fought for Peter I against Aragon, but in 1366 he went over to Henry of Trastámara and seized the king's treasure. After Peter regained Castile at Nájera in 1367, Egidio was arrested and publicly executed at Seville.