# King Ferrando — Discourses on Livy character guide

> King Ferrando in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Ferrando

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

King of Naples whose political actions are analyzed.

## Relationships

### [Pope Alexander VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/pope_alexander_vi)

_rivalry_

King Ferrando of Naples opposed Pope Alexander VI's territorial ambitions, leading to political and military conflict in Italy.

## In the story

### [XL: Of the creation of the Decemvirate in Rome, and what therein is to be noted.](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xl)

Quoted for his saying that men often behave like small birds, so intent on prey that they do not see the eagle overhead, illustrating the blindness of the Romans in their pursuit of liberty.

### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xii)

Quoted for his advice to his son Alfonso to await the enemy within his own territory rather than march out.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/king_ferrando
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters