Portrait of Alessandro de' Medici
History

Florence: The Medici Rule Ends

June 3, 2022

After Lorenzo’s death, Giulio was the next Medici to run Florence. But, he got elected as Pope Clement VII and moved to Rome in 1523, leaving Alessandro and Ippolito to rule Florence in his absence. […]

Tomb of Lorenzo de' Medici
History

The Rise of Lorenzo de’ Medici

June 3, 2022

Pope Leo promoted Lorenzo in place of Giuliano as Lorenzo was eager for fame, and, therefore, more willing to do the pope’s bidding. However, he alsorealized that Lorenzo was looking to form his own Medici dynasty. […]

Florence logo souvenir
History

How the Medici Reclaimed Florence

June 3, 2022

Giuliano de’ Medici’s did not wish to spearhead a coup at Florence. But Giovanni and Giulio entered Florence on September 14, 1512, and set up an emergency government—a balìa. […]

Inscription on pavement, marking the spot of Savonarola's execution.
History

The Fall of Girolamo Savonarola

May 19, 2022

When Girolamo Savonarola came to power, there was a good deal of confusion. However, that was indicative of freedom of the Florentines. But when he condemned Pope Alexander VI, Savonarola began to lose his grip on Florence. […]

Painting depicting Charles VIII and his army entering Naples
History

French Invasion and Expulsion of the Medici Family

May 4, 2022

The French invasion of Italy when it was composed of smaller city-states would later be regarded as the end of a period of relative peace and cultural brilliance. Eventually, it would give birth to the concept of nation-state. […]

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