How the Medici Shaped the Renaissance

12 lectures, 30 minutes/lecture Taught by William Landon, Ph.D. Professor Northern Kentucky University English subtitles (Click on CC) Lecture 2: https://rumble.com/v5y6man-how-the-medici-shaped-the-renaissance-the-foundations-of-medici-greatness-l.html The extraordinary Medici family, through a singular exercise of wealth, political ingenuity, and dynastic power, ruled the city-state of Florence for 300 years. Hugely controversial, both in their own time and among later historians and commentators, the list of what they accomplished is nothing short of astonishing: - The Medici were entrepreneurs who reached epic success in commerce, and essentially invented the modern banking system, founding an incredibly powerful family bank with branches across the Italian peninsula. - Over the centuries, they amassed a staggering treasure trove of paintings, Egyptian and Etruscan statuary, Renaissance sculptures, furniture, tapestries, books and manuscripts, jewels, and luxury objects of every kind, housed within imposing palaces, villas, country estates, and libraries. - They built political alliances, patronage networks, and structures of family power that allowed them to dominate Florentine politics, civics, and cultural life, earning Florence international influence and a status as the cultural capital of Europe. - They occupied and dominated offices of power, both political and religious, including producing a succession of grand dukes of Tuscany, two queens of France, and the elevation of four members of the Medici family to the papacy. But even beyond their familial prowess and power, their positioning within Florentine society and politics led them to play a key role in the world-changing phenomenon of the Renaissance. This movement in scholarship, art, architecture, politics, and philosophy was rooted in the rediscovery of classical texts and culture, which famously began in Florence. Through their wealth, influence, and patronage, the Medici were instrumental in encouraging humanistic scholarship, along with commissioning iconic works of architecture and countless artistic masterpieces that emblemize the Italian Renaissance. How a single family could have achieved such remarkable and enduring feats and influence is one of the fascinating stories of European civilization. It’s a story that resonates far beyond their own time, as the Renaissance, in many ways, laid the groundwork for the later scientific and philosophical revolutions of the Enlightenment. How the Medici Shaped the Renaissance offers you a panoramic look at the colossal achievements, colorful and dramatic history, and significant legacy of the Medici family, set within the context of the groundbreaking political and cultural currents of the Florentine Renaissance. Lecture 1: The Medici have been the subject of hundreds of scholarly monographs, thousands of journal articles, and historical novels. Recently, films, theatrical productions, and television programs have added to their coverage. Nearly all these works, in some fashion, fit into what one excellent historian, John Rigby Hale, called the Medici myth. This myth takes two forms: the “White” myth, which extols their achievements, and the “Black” myth, which harshly criticizes their influence. Take into account the historical methods that will be used throughout this course. Also explore the social and political conditions within 14th-century Florence that gave rise to the Renaissance.

Lecture 2: At the turn of the 15th century, the rebirth of classical antiquity known as the Renaissance was changing every thread of Florence’s political fabric. Roman republican ideals, dormant for nearly 1,500 years, were revived. Florence’s governmental leadership actively encouraged investment in manufacturing and mercantile activities, and it permitted bankers to provide capital to these endeavors. This lesson looks at the banking activities of Giovanni de’ Medici, which established the foundations of the Medici dynasty. Chart the extraordinary life of Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici, considered the founder of the Medici family. Learn how Giovanni founded the Medici bank, and rose through banking and government to a position of great wealth and eminence, building a coalition of Florentines dedicated to Medici interests. Observe how the Medici family and bank became a controlling interest in Florentine politics. Lecture 3: https://rumble.com/v5y6u6e-how-the-medici-shaped-the-renaissance-the-godfather-cosimo-de-medici-lectur.html

Lecture 3: Cosimo de’ Medici was born in 1389. He was the eldest son of Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici and his wife Piccarda Bueri, whose family was of ancient lineage and considerable wealth. Cosimo was born a twin, but his brother Damiano died shortly after birth. Five years later, Giovanni and Piccarda had another son, Lorenzo, who was notable himself. This lesson’s focus, though, is on Cosimo and his rise to power. Cosimo de’ Medici, heir to Giovanni, took the reins of the Medici family and its dynasty. Grasp how Cosimo amassed power through patronage of the humanities and financial dealings with government. Witness the crises through which he ultimately dominated the Republic of Florence, highlighting the role of the Duomo Cathedral and the astonishing story of his exile and return to Florence as ruler. Lecture 4: https://rumble.com/v5y6zu5-how-the-medici-shaped-the-renaissance-the-gouty-piero-de-medici-lecture-4.html

Lecture 4: In 1434, Cosimo de’ Medici became the head of the Florentine government, but he never declared himself as such, nor did he take a new title to signify his role. This lesson looks at his activities and patronage. Learn how Cosimo de’ Medici undertook to make Florence the most beautiful city in Europe, commissioning numerous public buildings and masterpieces of art. Then follow the brief reign of his son, Piero, whose skillful navigation of currents of dissent and revolution, aided by the brilliant partnership of his wife, Lucrezia, solidified the foundations of the Medici dynasty. Lecture 5: https://rumble.com/v5y78eh-how-the-medici-shaped-the-renaissance-lorenzo-the-magnificent-lecture-5.html

Lecture 5: The subject of this lesson is Lorenzo de’ Medici, who eventually became known as Lorenzo the Magnificent. Born in 1449, he was the eldest son of Piero di Cosimo de’ Medici and Lucrezia Tornabuoni. Delve into the early life of Lorenzo, the most celebrated of the Medici, where he excelled as a poet, author, and diplomat. Grasp how Lorenzo skillfully balanced his obligations to the state with his love of art, family, and fine living. Witness his ascent to become chief advisor to Florence’s government, and the political trials that led to a conspiracy and attempt on his life. Lecture 6: https://rumble.com/v5y7z0t-how-the-medici-shaped-the-renaissance-magnificence-achieved-lecture-6.html

Lecture 6: In the immediate aftermath of the Pazzi conspiracy, Lorenzo the Magnificent earned his special appellation. He proved himself to be a truly magnificent individual. He was faced with an irate pope, the threat of other Italian powers, a reeling Florentine aristocracy, and Florence’s republicans, who sensed that the damaged Lorenzo and his regime might be toppled at long last. Assess the extraordinary accomplishments and influence of Lorenzo de’ Medici, called Il Magnifico. Observe how, excommunicated by the pope and facing vast political challenges and threats of war, he almost single-handedly held Italy peacefully together, balancing the powers of Venice, Milan, Naples, and Rome, while maintaining his family’s wealth and its grip on Florence. Lecture 7: https://rumble.com/v5yoe2b-how-the-medici-shaped-the-renaissance-the-first-collapse-of-the-medici-regi.html

Lecture 7: In early 1492, Lorenzo de’ Medici’s health failed. When Lorenzo realized that death was upon him, he asked to be carried to his family’s villa at Careggi. Lorenzo spent his final days in a period of prayerfulness and penitential remorse. He departed this life for the next in April 1492. Lorenzo had already safely bequeathed power to his son Piero, who would carry on the Medici family’s role in Florence. Examine the extraordinary circumstances of Lorenzo de’ Medici’s decline and death, highlighting the role of the politically influential friar, Girolamo Savonarola. Follow the highly charged events surrounding Piero de’ Medici’s assumption of power, and the outbreak of bloody war which ultimately forced Piero and his brothers to flee into exile, ending 60 years of Medici power in Florence. Lecture 8: https://rumble.com/v5yoxrh-how-the-medici-shaped-the-renaissance-theocracy-and-republicanism-at-floren.html

Lecture 8: When Piero and the Medici family fled Florence in the autumn of 1494, they sought refuge in Venice. Piero never returned to Florence. This lesson focuses on the years in which Florence regained its liberty and reconstituted its republic—free from Medici rule. Relive the period in which the Florentine Republic was reinstated in a populist revolution overseen by the religious figure of Savonarola. Trace the upheavals that led to Savonarola’s fall, and the maneuvering by the Medici in Rome to ally with the papacy and the Spanish. Witness the military actions through which, after nearly 20 years in exile, the Medici returned as rulers of Florence. Lecture 9: https://rumble.com/v5yp59w-how-the-medici-shaped-the-renaissance-the-medic-restoration-lecture-9.html

Lecture 9: During 1510–1512, Piero Soderini’s management of governmental affairs left Florence strained on the domestic front and isolated internationally. Having been formally allied with France for decades, Soderini spent a large portion of his energy on keeping that relationship secure, even as the political tides of Italy began to shift. This lesson looks at subsequent events, which culminated in the return to power of the Medici family. Study the political landscape of Florence under the direction of the Cardinal Giovanni de’ Medici and his younger brother, Giuliano, the secular head of the family. Learn the dramatic story of the ensuing conspiracy to assassinate Giuliano, and Giovanni’s elevation as Pope Leo X. Observe the internecine struggles within the family culminating with a second Medici pope and the brutal sack of Rome. Lecture 10: https://rumble.com/v5yph18-how-the-medici-shaped-the-renaissance-the-last-florentine-republic-lecture-.html

Lecture 10: The city of Rome was sacked on May 6, 1527. The Medici were persuaded to leave Florence, and on May 16, a new balìa, or emergency government, decreed that the Great Council—the backbone of Florence’s republican tradition—would be called to order. This lesson focuses on events following that. Following the expulsion of the Medici from Florence in the wake of the sack of Rome, study the divisions that plagued the final Florentine Republic. Witness the political alliances that led to the siege of Florence by the Holy Roman Emperor, the events ending in the return of the Medici to the city, and the rewriting of the Florentine constitution, naming the Medici as hereditary rulers. Lecture 11: https://rumble.com/v5ypr9k-how-the-medici-shaped-the-renaissance-the-black-prince-alessandro-de-medici.html