The House of Medici was once the wealthiest family in Europe. The Medici's were also de facto rulers of Florence and several parts of Italy. The Pope Pius II to describe the stature of Cosimo de' Medici remarked,. Political questions are settled at his house. The man he chooses holds office. read more
The House of Medici was once the wealthiest family in Europe. The Medici's were also de facto rulers of Florence and several parts of Italy. The Pope Pius II to describe the stature of Cosimo de' Medici remarked, Political questions are settled at his house. The man he chooses holds office. He it is who decides peace and war and controls laws. read more
Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici (c. 1360–1429), son of Averardo de' Medici (1320-1363), increased the wealth of the family through his creation of the Medici Bank, and became one of the richest men in the city of Florence. read more
The Medici family, also known as the House of Medici, first attained wealth and political power in Florence in the 13th century through its success in commerce and banking. Beginning in 1434 with the rise to power of Cosimo de’ Medici (or Cosimo the Elder), the family’s support of the arts and humanities made Florence into the cradle of the Renaissance, a cultural flowering rivaled only by that of ancient Greece. read more