The Pio family, later Pio di Savoia, an ancient noble Italian family, was first mentioned by good authorities in the 14th century. After having long contended for the city of Modena with the House of Este, in 1336 they eventually agreed to renounce it, on condition that they retained the smaller domain of Carpi for themselves. They maintained control of Carpi for nearly 200 years and later acquired the minor fiefs of Sassuolo, Meldola, and Sarsina, etc. Many members of the family were distinguished as condottieri, diplomats or ecclesiastics.