Verdi based his opera on a play by Antonio Garcia Gutiérrez. Gutiérrez wrote “Simón Bocanegra”, while he was consul in Genoa. The author was well-acquainted with the history of the region. The character of Simone in his work was inspired by two brothers – Egidio, for whom there is information that he was a corsair, and Somone, who really was the first Doge of Genoa. He began his office as representative of the Ghibellines in 1339. He was forced to resign his office six years later, but in 1356 he started a second mandate, which continued till his death in 1363. With his coming into power, Boccanegra excluded his main opponents the Guelfs entirely from public life. This way was given the opportunity for the rising up on the political stage of merchants like the families Adorno, Guarco, Fregoso and Montaldo.

Some of his radical decisions, as well as his firm position made him many enemies. There are pieces of information about a series of attempts against the Doge. Registered was even the date on which was beheaded the first who tried to take Simone Boccanegra’s life – 20 December 1339. After this attack, Boccanegra hired 103 soldiers from Pisa for his personal guards.

During his second ruling, the Doge decided to mollify the conflicts between plebeians and patricians. His dream for peace, however, was not shared by everybody. The severe punishments were not enough to stop his enemies and the people, who were accusing him of betrayal. Simone Boccanegra was poisoned during a supper by one of his enemies. The Doge died before the eyes of all his guests.