Thomas I of Saluzzo

Thomas I (1239–1296) became the fourth Marquess of Saluzzo in 1244, succeeding his father Manfred III at the age of five, and was raised at the court of Boniface II of Montferrat. He allied with Savoy against Turin and Asti, but his chief adversary was Charles of Anjou.

In 1267 Charles defeated him over the Valle Stura and forced his submission, but in 1277 Thomas joined the anti-Angevin league that routed Charles at Roccavione. He then sought an alliance with Aragon against Savoy, without success.

He took Cuneo in 1291, extended the march to Carmagnola and made Saluzzo a free commune ruled by a podestà. His wife was Luigia of Ceva, and their son Manfred IV succeeded him.