Everything Everywhere Daily The Medici Family and Renaissance Florence
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Apr 22, 2025 Dive into the fascinating world of the Medici family, whose rise to power transformed Renaissance Florence. Discover how their banking innovations fueled European commerce and art. Learn about key figures like Lorenzo the Magnificent and pivotal events, including the notorious Pazzi Conspiracy. Explore the family's enduring legacy, with a focus on their contributions to art and culture that continue to influence the city today. The Medici story is a captivating blend of wealth, power, and creative patronage.
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Medici Banking Innovations
- The Medici Bank revolutionized European banking by perfecting double-entry bookkeeping and creating a branch banking network.
- Their expertise in bills of exchange solved currency and transport issues, fueling commerce across Europe.
Cosimo's Subtle Power
- Cosimo de' Medici ruled Florence behind the scenes, using patronage and alliances rather than overt power.
- His support of the arts and humanism helped spark the Renaissance cultural flowering.
Lorenzo's Artistic Court and Conspiracy
- Lorenzo the Magnificent hosted a Renaissance cultural hub, supporting artists like da Vinci and Michelangelo.
- The Pazzi Conspiracy violently attempted to overthrow Medici power but ultimately failed.