THE HOUSE OF MEDICI

Beginnings The family first attained wealth and

political power in Florence in the 13th century through its success in commerce and banking -- kept money for merchants all over Europe and made money by charging interest (a fee that borrowers pay for the use of someone else’s money)

Support of the Renaissance

1434 - rise to power of Cosimo de' Medici – controlled the government in Florence

the family's support (patronage) of the arts and humanities made Florence into the cradle of the Renaissance

Cosimo’s contributions (don’t write)

As ruler, Cosimo did many things to help Florence become known as the most beautiful city in the world: He spent a lot of his money on his city and supported

artists and sculptors He paid architects to redesign many of Florence’s

buildings He placed a high value on education, therefore he

had libraries built which were filled with books that he collected

He had more churches built After Cosimo died, he won the title of “Pater

Palrige” (father of his country)

Lorenzo de Medici Grandson of Cosimo poet, statesman,

politician, banker, patron of artists, writer, philosopher, and he played an important role in Italian politics (leader of Florence)

Many enemies (victim of attempted murder, his brother was not so lucky)

The Medici Family’s Accomplishments

Spent money on Florence, making it the most beautiful and the most powerful state in Italy

Spent their wealth on having the largest library in Europe

Founded the Platonic Academy - supported artists (Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael)

Florence became the cultural center of Europe

Life in Florence, 1478

Florence at this time was officially a republic, a nation ruled by many people. There were elected officials who were in charge, but they were often corrupt and were willing to take bribes. With no king or emperor, wealthy families like the Medici and the Pazzi constantly fought for power in

Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore (Duoma)

The dome of Florence’s cathedral not only dominates the city’s skyline, it also shows

the power and influence of the Catholic Church. This was also the site of the assassination of Giuliano and the attempted assassination of Lorenzo de’ Medici in April of 1478.

Palazzo Medici The Palazzo was the home

of the Medici family for nearly 50 years. The Medici didn’t want it to be too beautiful or extravagant because they were afraid the people of Florence might get jealous of their wealth and act out against them. Many of them wore armor when they went outside because they feared assassination.

Palazzo Pazzi Banking families like

the Pazzi and the Medici gained wealth and power by making loans and holding accounts for the people and, more importantly, the Catholic Church. The more influence they built, the more soldiers they had at their service.

CSI Florence Introduction: http://

www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=nxcRXsAzgAE

Exhibit A: http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xl4mNSsaXg&feature=player_embedded

Exhibit H http://

www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiXhAQR7YMw&feature=player_embedded