Opizzino Spinola

Opizzino Spinola was a wealthy Genoese merchant of the Spinola family. In 1306 he was elected capitano del popolo with Bernabò Doria, and that year married his daughter Argentina to Theodore Palaiologos, helping him win Montferrat. In 1308 he imprisoned Bernabò and made himself sole perpetual captain, seeking personal rule over Genoa.

After defeat at Sestri Ponente in 1309 he was banished, but his attacks on Montaldo and Voltaggio forced the Genoese to negotiate. He returned with Emperor Henry VII in 1311 and received Oltregiogo fiefs in 1313. Expelled once more, he died of fever at Serravalle Scrivia in 1317.