"Tyrant is the name of a man of evil life, and worst of all men, who wants to reign over all by force, especially one who, though a citizen, becomes a tyrant."
— Savonarola

"The Renaissance of the fifteenth century was in many things great, rather by what it designed or aspired to do, than by what it actually achieved."
— Walter Pater

Salvestro dei Medici and the Ciompi Revolt

"Not Salvestro but Salvator mundi," "thou that with noble wisdom hast saved thy country."
Franco Sacchetti praises Salvestro dei Medici, the founder of his family's prominence.

In 1378, at the height of hatred between the Parte Guelfa and the Otto della Guerra, the Ciompi Revolt erupted in Florence. Salvestro, then Gonfaloniere of Justice, protected the people's interests against the magnates, initiating the Medici policy of popular influence.

“These revolts were led by Michele di Lando, a humble wool-comber, who was acclaimed Gonfaloniere and lord of the city.”

Government temporarily passed to the Minor Arts, but conflicts continued. The revolts were suppressed, and the greater Guilds regained control.

The End of Florentine Democracy (1382–1434)

During this period, Florence was nominally ruled by the major Guilds, but real power rested with the nobili popolani or Ottimati. The struggle shifted from "Palace vs. Palace" to "Palace vs. Piazza," with the Medici quietly observing.

“All these citizens, some through ignorance, some through malice, are ready to sell this republic; and, thanks to their good fortune, they have found the purchaser.”
— Niccolo da Uzzano, shortly before his death

Cosimo dei Medici’s Rise (1434)

In 1433, Cosimo was imprisoned, but his popularity and influence protected him. In 1434, he returned triumphantly to Florence, consolidating Medici power. While the republican forms were preserved, the state was effectively in Cosimo's hands, and he maintained control over opponents while extending Medici influence abroad.

Cosimo: Patron of the Arts and Philosophy

Cosimo was not only a political leader but also a great patron of the arts and humanism. He supported:

• Brunelleschi and Michelozzo (architecture)
• Donatello and Fra Lippo Lippi (art)
• Marsilio Ficino and the Platonic Academy

He founded libraries and promoted Renaissance thought, supporting both art and classical philosophy.

Piero dei Medici and the Preparation of Lorenzo

After Cosimo’s death in 1464, his son Piero il Gottoso assumed leadership, mostly in seclusion due to illness. His son, Lorenzo, later known as "the Magnificent," began emerging as the central figure of Medici power.

Lorenzo de’ Medici: The Magnificent (1469–1492)

Lorenzo and his brother Giuliano became masters of Florence. Despite his youth, Lorenzo quickly consolidated personal and political power, maintaining control through reformed councils and strategic alliances.

• 1478: Pazzi Conspiracy; Giuliano is assassinated, Lorenzo survives.
• Lorenzo stabilized Florence and maintained peace among the major Italian powers, despite internal and external crises.

"If Lorenzo was great when he left Florence, he returned much greater than ever; and he was received with such joy by the city..." — Machiavelli

Medici Rule and the Art of Balance

Lorenzo became the balancer of Renaissance Italy, forging alliances with Milan, Naples, Rome, and Venice.

• Established permanent councils (Council of Seventy, Otto di pratica, Dodici Procuratori) to control government.
• His diplomacy protected Florence from internal and external threats.
• Patron of arts, culture, and philosophy, keeping Florence at the heart of the Renaissance.

Cultural Legacy

Cosimo, Piero, and Lorenzo invested in:

• Churches and convents: San Lorenzo, San Marco, Badia of Fiesole
• Artworks by great masters
• Libraries with classical manuscripts
• Promotion of humanism and Platonic philosophy

Visual References

• FLORENCE IN THE DAYS OF LORENZO THE MAGNIFICENT (engraving, c.1490, Berlin Museum)
• THE BADIA OF FIESOLE

The Medici and the Quattrocento show how wealth, political cunning, and artistic patronage transformed Florence into the cradle of the Renaissance.