Dan Snow's History Hit Rise of the Medici
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Oct 3, 2024 
Tim Parks, an acclaimed author specializing in Italian literature, joins historian Professor Suzannah Lipscomb to unravel the captivating saga of the Medici family. They dive into how the Medici transformed from a banking powerhouse to rulers of Florence, navigating political intrigues and economic challenges. The discussion reveals the complex dynamics of wealth, art, and power, spotlighting figures like Cosimo and Lorenzo de' Medici. Their patronage not only shaped the city's cultural landscape but also left a lasting legacy on the Renaissance.
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Usury as a Threat to Social Order
- Usury, the lending of money at interest, was considered unnatural and sinful by the Church, similar to sodomy and blasphemy.
- It threatened the fixed social order by enabling individuals to change their station through financial gain.
Circumventing Usury Laws
- Banks circumvented usury laws through complex exchange deals, exploiting currency fluctuations across regions.
- These deals involved notional exchanges, often without actual goods being traded, creating ambiguity about their legality.
Cosimo's Piety and Patronage
- Cosimo de' Medici, a devout man, worried about his soul due to banking practices.
- He donated to the Church, commissioning art and renovations to gain social standing and demonstrate his piety.