The Medici family dominated the administration of the city of Florence during
the Renaissance. At this time the major cities of Italy were ruled as individual
city-states with total autonomy; cities such as Venice,
Rome,
Naples
and Florence
became politically and economically distinct, with their own laws, economic
structure and cultural life.
The Medici family were initially bankers and businessmen who amassed considerable
wealth. Due to their financial dominance they began to exert considerable
economic and political power, finally effectively ruling Florence from 1435.
Amongst the most notable of the family was Lorenzo (known as Lorenzo the
Magnificent) a great leader, politician and a man of culture. Lorenzo was
the chief patron of Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo and his
period in power consolidated the position of Florence as a major city-state,
whilst establishing his family fortune. |
