An Italian family which ruled the duchy of Parma from 1545 to 1731. Originating in the 11th century, its first outstanding member was Alessandro (1468–1549), who became Pope Paul III in 1534 and created the duchy of Parma and Piacenza. His grandson Alessandro (1520–89) was named a cardinal at the age of 14, and remained a powerful figure at the papal court for 50 years; he was a noted patron of the arts.

His nephew Alessandro (1545–92), Duke of Parma from 1586, was the family’s most distinguished scion. After serving against the Ottomans at the Battle of Lepanto (1571), he succeeded Don John of Austria as governor-general of the Netherlands and commander-in-chief of the Spanish forces which were dealing with the Dutch Revolts (1578). By subtle diplomacy he detached the southern provinces from the revolt (1579). Then he conducted a sequence of superbly planned military campaigns further north, including the capture of Antwerp (1585). In 1588 Philip II diverted him from his campaigns in the north, ordering him to liaise with the Spanish Armada. In 1590 he was diverted again, this time to intervene in the French Wars of Religion, where he managed to relieve Paris (1590) and Rouen (1592), but was wounded and died.