House of Medici

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.

The Ordinances of Justice were enacted in 1293, serving as the constitution of the Republic of Florence during the Italian Renaissance.

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.

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.

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.

The Medici family established the Medici Bank in Florence in 1397, which became one of the most prosperous and respected institutions in Europe.

A prominent Italian family that wielded great power and influence in Florence during the Renaissance, shaping the city's cultural and political landscape.

In 1401, Lorenzo Ghiberti was commissioned to create the famous doors for the Baptistry in Florence.

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.

In 1412, the Medici family was officially appointed as Papal bankers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The construction of Brunelleschi's dome in Florence was successfully finished.

Cosimo de'Medici established the world's first public library at San Marco in Florence.

The Council of Florence resulted in a temporary union between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Pazzi conspiracy was a failed attempt by members of the Pazzi family to overthrow the Medici family as rulers of Florence.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alessandro de' Medici, known for his cruel and authoritarian rule, was assassinated in 1537 by a companion who was also a relative.

Alessandro de Medici became the duke of Florence, marking the end of the Republic of Florence.

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.

Gian Gastone, the last Medici Grand Duke of Tuscany, died on July 9, 1737, marking the end of the Medici dynasty.

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.

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.

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.