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2024-04-23 06:45:54

House of Medici

Italian banking and political dynasty
Italian banking and political dynasty
The House of Medici was a powerful Italian family that rose to prominence in Florence during the 15th century. They were influential in banking, politics, and the arts, producing multiple popes and queens, and supporting renowned artists and scientists during the Italian Renaissance.
1230
House of the Medici Established in Mugello, Tuscany
The Medici family, starting with Giambuono de’ Medici, was established in Mugello, Tuscany in 1230. The family's history is filled with legends and power struggles, lasting for an incredible 790 years.
1293
Enactment of the Ordinances of Justice in Florence
The Ordinances of Justice were enacted in 1293, serving as the constitution of the Republic of Florence during the Italian Renaissance.
1298
Bankruptcy of the Bonsignori Family
In 1298, the leading banking family of Europe, the Bonsignoris, went bankrupt in Siena, causing the city to lose its status as the banking center of Italy to Florence.
1360
Birth of Giovanni di Bicci de Medici
Giovanni di Bicci de Medici, the founder of the Medici bank in Florence and father of Cosimo de Medici, was born in Florence around 1360.
1378
Salvestro elected gonfalonier
In 1378, Salvestro, grandson of a Medici, was elected gonfalonier, the head of the council of government in Florence. He aligned himself with the common people and led an insurrection of the artisans against his rivals.
1381
Salvestro goes into exile
In 1381, after the fall of the popular government in Florence, Salvestro, who had previously led an insurrection, was forced to go into exile.
1382
Construction of Loggia dei Lanzi
The Loggia dei Lanzi was built in 1382.
1385
Construction of Basilica of Santa Croce
The Basilica of Santa Croce was built in 1385.
1393
Popolo magro attempts to take over the signoria
In 1393, the lean people of Florence attempted to take over the signoria once again, reminiscent of Salvestro's earlier actions. They sought out Salvestro's cousin, Vieri, but he managed to avoid any consequences.
1397
Founding of the Medici Bank
The Medici family established the Medici Bank in Florence in 1397, which became one of the most prosperous and respected institutions in Europe.
1398
House of Medici
A prominent Italian family that wielded great power and influence in Florence during the Renaissance, shaping the city's cultural and political landscape.
1401
Lorenzo Ghiberti commissions Baptistry doors
In 1401, Lorenzo Ghiberti was commissioned to create the famous doors for the Baptistry in Florence.
1402
Giovanni di Bicci elected Prior of Florence
In 1402, Giovanni di Bicci was elected as Prior of Florence for the first time.
1404
Donatello starts working for Ghiberti
In 1404, Donatello began working for Lorenzo Ghiberti.
1406
Filippo Lippi is born
Filippo Lippi, the renowned painter, was born in 1406.
1410
Baladassare Cossa elected Pope John XXIII with Medici's financial support
In 1410, Baladassare Cossa was elected as Pope John XXIII with the financial assistance provided by the Medici family, showcasing their influence in the papal elections.
1412
Medici family appointed official Papal bankers
In 1412, the Medici family was officially appointed as Papal bankers.
1416
Birth of Piero di Cosimo de' Medici
Piero di Cosimo de' Medici, also known as Piero the Gouty, was born in 1416 in Florence. He was the son of Cosimo the Elder and father of Lorenzo the Magnificent.
1427
Medici list 31 family branches in city tax
In 1427, the Medici family compiled a list of 31 branches of their family for city tax purposes in Florence.
1429
Death of Giovanni di Bicci de Medici
Giovanni di Bicci de Medici, the founder of the Medici bank in Florence and father of Cosimo de Medici, died in 1429 in Florence and is buried alongside his wife in the Old Sacristy of the Church of San Lorenzo.
1433
Exile and Return of Cosimo de' Medici
In 1433, the Albizzi family managed to have Cosimo de' Medici exiled from Florence, but a pro-Medici Signoria led by Tommaso Soderini, Oddo Altoviti, and Lucca Pitti was elected the next year, leading to Cosimo's return and the rise of the Medici family as the city's leading family.
1434
Cosimo de’ Medici Establishes Medici Rule in Florence
Cosimo de’ Medici, the founder of a prominent Medici family line, established their rule in Florence in 1434. He was involved in high finance and represented the Medici bank at the Council of Constance, laying the foundation for their political influence.
1436
Completion of Brunelleschi's dome
The construction of Brunelleschi's dome in Florence was successfully finished.
1437
Opening of the world's first public library by Cosimo
Cosimo de'Medici established the world's first public library at San Marco in Florence.
1439
Council of Florence
The Council of Florence resulted in a temporary union between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.
1449
Birth of Lorenzo de'Medici
Lorenzo de'Medici, a prominent figure in the powerful Medici family of Florence, was born in 1449, later becoming a key patron of the arts and a significant political figure.
1450
Francesco Sforza becomes Duke of Milan
In 1450, Francesco Sforza, a close friend of Cosimo de'Medici, ascended to the position of Duke of Milan, solidifying his power in the region and establishing a crucial alliance.
1461
Discovery of Alum Deposits in Tolfa
In 1461, the Medici family benefited from the discovery of vast deposits of alum in Tolfa. Alum was crucial for dyeing textiles and Florence, known for its textile industry, greatly utilized it. The monopoly granted to the Medici by Pius II made them the primary producers of alum in Europe.
1472
Birth of Giovanni di Pierfrancesco
Giovanni di Pierfrancesco, the younger brother of Lorenzo il Popolano and the grandson of Lorenzo the Elder, founder of the cadet line of the Medici family, was born in 1472.
1476
Death of the Son of Lorenzo the Elder of the Medici Cadet Branch
The son of Lorenzo the Elder of the Medici 'cadet' branch passed away in 1476, leading to his sons, Lorenzo and Giovanni, being adopted by Lorenzo the Magnificent.
1478
Pazzi Conspiracy Foiled
The Pazzi conspiracy was a failed attempt by members of the Pazzi family to overthrow the Medici family as rulers of Florence.
1492
Death of Lorenzo de' Medici
Lorenzo de' Medici, also known as 'the Magnificent', died in 1492. He was a capable ruler but neglected the family banking business, leading to its downfall. Lorenzo strategically planned his children's future careers to ensure the continuation of the Medici success.
1494
Exile of Piero il Fatuo
Piero il Fatuo, the oldest son of Lorenzo the Magnificent, was exiled from Florence in 1494 due to his mishandling of King Charles VIII's invasion of Tuscany and Florence.
1497-02-07
Bonfire of the Vanities
On February 7, 1497, under the leadership of Girolamo Savonarola, many great works were destroyed in the Bonfire of the Vanities in Florence as a warning against excessive luxury.
1498
Niccolò Machiavelli becomes secretary
In 1498, Niccolò Machiavelli assumed the role of secretary. Machiavelli is known for his political writings and influence, particularly his work 'The Prince.'
1503
Death of Giovanni di Pierfrancesco's son
Giovanni di Pierfrancesco's son, initially christened Ludovico de' Medici, was re-christened after his father's death as Giovanni dalle Bande Nere, the renowned condottiero.
1512
End of Medici Exile
The exile of the Medici family ended in 1512, allowing the 'senior' branch descended from Cosimo the Elder to rule Florence until the assassination of Alessandro de' Medici in 1537.
1513
Pope Leo X Elected
Giovanni de' Medici, one of the sons of Lorenzo the Magnificent, became Pope Leo X in 1513 at the age of 37. He later ex-communicated Martin Luther during his papacy.
1516-01-01
Lorenzo di Piero de' Medici becomes ruler of Florence
Lorenzo di Piero de' Medici assumed the position of ruler of Florence in 1516 and held this title until his death in 1519. He also served as the Duke of Urbino during the same period.
1519-01-01
Death of Lorenzo di Piero de' Medici
Lorenzo di Piero de' Medici, who ruled Florence from 1516 until his death in 1519, passed away. His death marked the end of his leadership in Florence.
1523-03
Clement VII Becomes Pope
Clement VII, an illegitimate son of Giuliano de’ Medici, became the pope in March 1523 and served until 1534. He was reared by his uncle Lorenzo the Magnificent and was made archbishop of Florence and cardinal in 1513 by his cousin Pope Leo X.
1526-01-01
Giovanni delle Bande Nere
Giovanni delle Bande Nere was a prominent military leader and condottiero during the period from 1498 to 1526. He played a significant role in the Italian Wars.
1530
Alessandro de' Medici Becomes Duke of Florence
In 1530, Alessandro de' Medici, illegitimate nephew of Pope Clement VII, was named Duke of Florence by Charles V. This marked the beginning of Medici monarchs' reign in Florence for the next two centuries.
1532
Installation of Alessandro de' Medici as Hereditary Duke of Florence
Pope Clement VII installed Alessandro de' Medici, reputedly his illegitimate son, as the hereditary duke of Florence in 1532. This move aimed to ensure Medici rule in the city.
1534
Death of Pope Clement VII
Pope Clement VII passed away after a long illness, leading to instability within the Medici's 'senior' branch.
1535
Death of Ippolito Cardinal de' Medici
Ippolito Cardinal de' Medici died under mysterious circumstances, further weakening the Medici's 'senior' branch.
1537
Assassination of Alessandro de' Medici
Alessandro de' Medici, known for his cruel and authoritarian rule, was assassinated in 1537 by a companion who was also a relative.
1541
Alessandro de Medici becomes duke of Florence
Alessandro de Medici became the duke of Florence, marking the end of the Republic of Florence.
1550
Purchase of the Pitti Palace
Eleanor of Toledo, wife of Cosimo I the Great, bought the Pitti Palace from Buonaccorso Pitti in 1550.
1560
Construction of the Uffizi Gallery
Cosimo I the Great patronized Vasari, who built the Uffizi Gallery in 1560.
1563
Foundation of the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno
Cosimo I the Great founded the Accademia delle Arti del Disegno, also known as the Academy of the Arts of Drawing, in 1563.
1565
Fountain of Neptune Inaugurated
In 1565, the Fountain of Neptune was inaugurated in Florence. It was commissioned by Cosimo I de Medici and created by Baccio Bandinelli.
1574
Death of Cosimo I de' Medici
Cosimo I de' Medici, who conquered Siena and founded the Grand Duchy of Tuscany, passed away, succeeded by his son Francesco.
1581
Uffizi Art Museum Built
In 1581, the Uffizi art museum was built in Florence. It has since become one of the most famous art museums in the world.
1587
Succession of Ferdinando I de' Medici
Francesco de' Medici's death without male heirs led to the succession of his younger brother, Ferdinando I de' Medici, who assumed the government of Tuscany.
1600
Wedding of Maria de 'Medici and Henry IV of France
The wedding of Maria de 'Medici and Henry IV of France took place in 1600. This union had significant political implications for both countries.
1605
Election of Pope Leo XI
In 1605, Ferdinando successfully influenced the conclave to elect his candidate, Alessandro de' Medici, as Pope Leo XI. However, Alessandro died the same month, and was succeeded by Pope Paul V, who was also pro-Medici.
1609
Death of Ferdinando I de' Medici
Ferdinando I de' Medici died in 1609, leaving behind a wealthy realm. His inaction in international affairs would have significant consequences in the future.
1617
Louis XIII repudiates Marie de' Medici's policy
In 1617, Louis XIII of France rejected the pro-Habsburg policy of his mother, Marie de' Medici, who served as regent. This led to Marie living the rest of her life without any political influence.
1621
Death of Cosimo II de' Medici
Cosimo II de' Medici, known for patronizing Galileo Galilei, died in 1621 due to consumption (tuberculosis). His reign lasted less than 12 years.
1643
Wars of Castro
Tuscany participated in the Wars of Castro in 1643, where they defeated the forces of Pope Urban VIII. The conflict was costly and led to economic challenges in the region.
1657
Establishment of Accademia del Cimento
In 1657, Leopoldo de' Medici established the Accademia del Cimento in Florence to attract scientists from Tuscany for mutual study. The academy aimed to promote scientific research and experimentation.
1670-05-23
Death of Ferdinando
Ferdinando, afflicted by apoplexy and dropsy, died on 23 May 1670. He was buried in the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Medici's necropolis.
1691
Cosimo III's Family Granted Royal Highness Title
Johann Wilhelm, Elector Palatine, successfully requisitioned the dignity Royal Highness for the Grand Duke Cosimo III and his family in 1691, despite having no claim to any kingdom.
1694
Death of Vittoria della Rovere
Upon Vittoria della Rovere's death in 1694, her allodial possessions, the Duchies of Rovere and Montefeltro, passed to her younger son.
1705
Bankruptcy of the Medici Treasury
By 1705, the grand ducal treasury of the Medici was virtually bankrupt, as they lacked male heirs. The population of Florence and the grand duchy declined significantly.
1723-10-25
Final Proclamation of Grand Duke Cosimo III
On 25 October 1723, Grand Duke Cosimo disseminated a final proclamation commanding that Tuscany stay independent, with Anna Maria Luisa succeeding uninhibited to Tuscany after Gian Gastone.
1731-10-25
Spanish Occupation of Florence
A Spanish detachment occupied Florence on behalf of Don Carlos, leading to political turmoil in Tuscany.
1736
War of the Polish Succession
Following the War of the Polish Succession, Don Carlos was disbarred from Tuscany, and Francis III of Lorraine was made heir instead.
1737-07-09
Death of Gian Gastone
Gian Gastone, the last Medici Grand Duke of Tuscany, died on July 9, 1737, marking the end of the Medici dynasty.
1737-10-31
Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici Signs the Patto di Famiglia
Anna Maria Luisa de’ Medici signed the Patto di Famiglia on October 31, 1737, willing the entire heritage of the Medici family to the Tuscan state, ensuring that nothing was ever removed from Florence.
1743-02-19
Death of the Electress
The Electress, last of the Medici line, died on February 19, 1743, leading to the end of the grand ducal line of the House of Medici.
1801
Deposition of the Habsburgs in Tuscany
In 1801, the Habsburgs were deposed in Tuscany in favor of the House of Bourbon-Parma, who were later restored at the Congress of Vienna.
1861
Tuscany becomes a province of the United Kingdom of Italy
In 1861, Tuscany became a province of the United Kingdom of Italy, marking a significant political change in the region.
2004-05-04
Prince Ottaviano de' Medici Murder Mystery
On May 4, 2004, a 417-year-old murder mystery involving Prince Ottaviano de' Medici was solved.
2005
The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance
Paul Strathern's book 'The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance' provides an informative and lively account of the Medici family, highlighting their influence during the Renaissance period and their complexities.
2008
Magnifico: The Brilliant Life and Violent Times of Lorenzo de Medici
The biography 'Magnifico' by Miles J. Unger vividly portrays Lorenzo de Medici, the uncrowned ruler of Florence during its golden age, showcasing his brilliance and the turbulent era he lived in.
2016-04-08
The Medici Family History Channel Feature
On April 8, 2016, the History Channel featured a program on the Medici Family, showcasing their historical significance.
2024-03-28
Medici Family - Student Encyclopedia
The Medici Family entry in the Student Encyclopedia provides information about the famous Italian family's history and significance, suitable for readers aged 11 and up.
End of the Timeline
House of Medici

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House of Medici

Italian banking and political dynasty
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