Lorenzo de' Medici, known as Lorenzo the Magnificent, was a powerful ruler of the Florentine Republic. He supported artists like Botticelli and Michelangelo, and played a key role in stabilizing political conditions in Italy.
Lorenzo de' Medici, also known as Lorenzo the Magnificent, was born on January 1, 1398. He was a prominent Italian statesman, ruler, and patron of the arts during the Renaissance period.
In 1440, Florence achieved a significant victory over Milan at the Battle of Anghiari.
Lorenzo de' Medici was born in Florence to parents Piero di Cosimo de' Medici and Lucrezia Tornabuoni.
Lorenzo de' Medici passed away in 1492, marking the end of an era in Florentine politics and Renaissance culture. His death led to the collapse of the Peace of Lodi and posed challenges to the stability of the Italian Peninsula.
Lorenzo de' Medici played a significant role in supporting artists, architects, and writers during the 15th century Renaissance in Florence. His patronage contributed to the development of Florentine genius.
In 1462, Lorenzo de' Medici and the Medici Bank got involved in backing the mining operation of alum in Tuscany, which had been discovered by local citizens of Volterra. This led to an insurrection and secession from Florence, tarnishing Lorenzo's reputation.
In 1464, Cosimo de' Medici, the grandfather of Lorenzo de' Medici, passed away. Following his death, Lorenzo's father, Piero, took over the leadership of Florence.
In 1466, Lorenzo de' Medici visited Ferdinand of Aragon in Naples and started actively participating in the public affairs of Florence.
On June 4, 1469, Lorenzo de' Medici got married.
On December 2, 1469, he married Clarice Orsini.
Significant event involving death and rise in Lorenzo de'Medici's life.
In 1470, Lorenzo de' Medici married Clarice Orsini.
In 1471, his father passed away, and two days later he assumed the leadership of the Florentine state.
In 1472, Lorenzo de' Medici's son, Piero, was born.
Lorenzo de' Medici's second child, Piero, was born.
An alliance was formed in this year.
Lorenzo de' Medici's third child, Maria Maddalena Romola, was born.
Lorenzo de' Medici's fourth child, Giovanni, was born.
In 1478, a group led by Girolamo Riario, Francesco de' Pazzi, and Francesco Salviati attacked Lorenzo and his brother Giuliano in an attempt to take control of the Florentine government. Giuliano was killed, but Lorenzo survived with a minor wound. The conspiracy was brutally put down by the populace.
Lorenzo's brother, Giuliano de' Medici, was killed.
In 1480, Lorenzo de' Medici struck a deal with the King of Naples. This agreement had political implications and impacted the stability and alliances of Florence during that period.
In 1482, Lorenzo de' Medici's bold visit to King Ferdinand in Naples results in an accord being achieved. This diplomatic success strengthens the relationship between Florence and Naples.
In 1487, Lorenzo de' Medici's wife, Clarice, passes away, marking a personal tragedy in the life of the influential Medici ruler.
In 1489, Giovanni de' Medici is appointed as a Cardinal, solidifying the Medici family's influence within the Church and politics.
Dominican monk Girolamo Savonarola began preaching at San Marco in 1490, delivering denunciations against the Medici family, the papacy, and Christianity. His prophecies, including the death of Lorenzo de' Medici, gained attention in Florence.
Lorenzo de' Medici died during the late night of April 8, 1492, at the family villa of Careggi. Rumors about Savonarola damning Lorenzo on his deathbed were refuted, with witnesses reporting that he died peacefully after listening to the Gospel of the day. Various signs and portents were claimed to have occurred at the moment of his death.
Lorenzo de' Medici passed away on April 9, 1492 in Careggi, near Florence. He was a key figure in the Medici family, ruling Florence with his brother Giuliano and leaving a lasting legacy as a patron of the arts.
In 1494, Lorenzo de' Medici's eldest son, Piero di Lorenzo de' Medici, known as 'Piero the Unfortunate', wasted his father's wealth and led to the downfall of the Medici dynasty in Florence.
In 1512, Lorenzo de' Medici's second son, Giovanni, who later became Pope Leo X, recaptured Florence with the assistance of a Spanish army, restoring Medici rule in the city.
Lorenzo de' Medici's 13-year-old son Giovanni was created a cardinal by Pope Innocent VIII and later became Pope Leo X. This succession to the papacy solidified the Medici family's influence in the church.
In 1523, Giulio di Giuliano de' Medici, the nephew of Lorenzo de' Medici, ascended to the papacy as Pope Clement VII after serving as ruler of Florence for four years. He was the illegitimate son of Lorenzo's slain brother Giuliano.
In 1531, Lorenzo de' Medici's nephew Giulio di Giuliano, who was raised by Lorenzo and later became Pope Clement VII, solidified Medici control over Florence by appointing Alessandro de' Medici as the city's first hereditary duke.
In 1559, the bodies of Lorenzo de' Medici and his brother Giuliano were interred in the New Sacristy in an unmarked tomb beneath Michelangelo's statue of the Madonna. This was a departure from their initial burial in the Basilica di San Lorenzo.
Hugh Ross Williamson wrote a book focusing on Lorenzo the Magnificent, a prominent figure in the history of Florence.
Tim Parks wrote a book that delves into the intertwining realms of history, finance, and the Medici Banks, particularly focusing on Lorenzo de' Medici.