Alberto I della Scala
Alberto I della Scala (c. 1245–1301) was the son of Jacopino della Scala and a trusted lieutenant of his elder brother Mastino I. After Mastino's murder, the Veronese assembly elected him lifelong Captain and Rector on 27 October 1277.
He made Verona a true signoria, requiring oaths of allegiance, building a bureaucracy and personal guard, and repelling a Guelph assault in 1278–1279. Treaties with Mantua and Venice consolidated his position.
His daughter Costanza married Obizzo II d'Este, Marquis of Ferrara. He died on 3 September 1301 and was succeeded by his son Bartolomeo; Alboino and Cangrande ruled after him.