Machiavelli's Rome of Freedom

The lust of the nobles for power and rulership may be unnerving from a republican point of view, but it is like an engine of outstanding achievement. The people also have a role to play here, because one of machiavelli's favorite themes is that true military strength lies in the citizenry. In 14 94, florence lost dominion over the city of pisa, a major factor in the emergence of the savonarolan republic. Pisa was not retaken until 15 o nine, with the surrender to the florentines being countersigned by Machiavelli himself.