Florence began
in Roman times and was built at the river Arno This river would give the city food,
water, easy access for the trade and the power for the mills. Florence would grow to be a rich and influentual city, that would play a part in the history of Italy, Europe and the world.
No family
is so connected to the history of Florence than the Medici family. They were
probably doctors, before they also became merchants and bankers. In the end
they were almost synonymous with the Republic of Florence itself.
Politics
was complicated in Italy. Allies could become enemies within days or the other
way around. Politics were always changing. Armies and generals were hired to
fight against Milan, Siena or the French.
Politics
within Florence were even more complicated. It was a republic, with a council
that was chosen for two months. In that case all influential men could govern,
although only for a short period of time. This group of nine men had help from
different other councils that could agree or disagree with the laws and resolutions
the Signoria came up with. To make
things really complicated it was also possible to call for a parliament.
Banking was
the most complicated business of all. The problem was there could be no
interest, this was considered usury. Interest was described as a gift. In the
Medieval worldview bankers did not do anything to earn their money, so both the
Church and people condemned it. Despite this, the bankers became more and more
important and would spread their business over Europe.
Masters in
getting information, making money and supporting the right people (like a pope)
were the Medici’s.
They knew
how to make money and still keep the support of the people in Florence.
To say at
the good side of both God and the townspeople, the Medici’s used the money they
made to commission works of art.
Outside of
Florence the influence of the family also grew. In 1533 Catherine de Medici
married French king Henry II and there were also two Medici popes.
The Medici crest can be seen everywhere in Florence |
More
information about the history of Florence and the Medici family can be found in
these books:
- The rise and fall of the house of Medici, Christopher Hibbert, published in 1974
- Medici money, Tim Parks, published in 2005
- Florence, David Leavitt, published in 2002
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