Ascanio Savorgnano
Dates: Italian, active around 1550 - 1570
Biographical Account: Savorgnano was an engineer specialising in military fortifications. In 1562 the Signoria, or government of Venice sent Savorgnano to Cyprus which was then part of the Venetian Empire. Here he had to make detailed notes on its defences and make recommendations and designs for improvements if necessary. It is therefore possible he was a Venetian himself and was employed by the Signoria to carry out various similar tasks in other areas and cities under Venetian rule.