A countess by marriage, Caterina was notorious far before she ever arrived in Forlì. Raised in the Court of Milan, she received a classical education while tutored in the art of war by her father, the Duke. At court, Caterina also acquired a passion for alchemy and hunting. In 1473, when she was 10-years-old, Caterina became engaged to Girolamo Riario, the Pope's nephew. They consummated their marriage when she was 14. Exiled to Florence, Caterina died of pneumonia in 1509.