As a wealthy and influential citizen, Giovanni had a virtually no choice but to participate in public life, holding almost every political office in Florence at same time. Florence Birth of Dynasty The Medici dynasty started around 12th century when family members immigrated to Florence. Through
Machiavelli influences the modern political science we still use today, and continue to pathe his paths. His book, The Prince uses Renaissance values and applies them to politics, intriguing most everyone. His book targets powerful men, teaching them how to gain and maintain power. “It is not al all necessary for a prince to have all the good qualities which I have named, but it is necessary to seem to have them” (Machiavelli). Although Machiavelli gained his power, not every man can, so Machiavelli is saying that in order to become an idol, you just have to project the idea of power.
Niccolo Machiavelli and his influence on the Enlightenment Niccolo di Bernardo dei Machiavelli, also known as the father of “Modern Political Theory” was a well-known Italian diplomat, politician, humanist, historian, philosopher and writer from the era of renaissance philosophy. He belonged to several schools of thought, namely: Renaissance humanism, Political realism, Classical republicanism. His claim to fame was his popular book, “The Prince”, which was a handbook for politicians on the use of ruthless, self-serving, cunning inspiring the term “Machiavellian.” Before he wrote his book, Machiavelli was a diplomat for 14 years in Italy’s Florence Republic during the Medici family’s exile. Florence had been under a republican government since 1494 when the leading Medici family and its supporters had been driven from power. During this time, Machiavelli thrived under the patronage of the Florentine ‘gonfaloniers’ chief administrator for life, Piero Soderini.
They had so much of control over their citizens that later on, the citizens accepted and followed the way of living that the Medici family demanded. After a while of being ruled by the Medici family, Florence became the center for Italy politics and a very beautiful place with beautiful art work (Sayne 473).
Lucius Cornelius Sulla was a prominent figure in the late republic of Ancient Rome, rising to power through establishing allies and his military accomplishments. As a member of the patrician class Sulla rose to power through the Roman political ladder (Cursus Honourum). Sulla was the victor of the social war, conducted war against the Mithridates and headed the first civil war in Roman history against Marius. Through his military accomplishments, he gained support from the senate and was later elected consul and then transitioned into dictatorship. He became a well-known dictator in 82 BC where he established a series of governmental reforms altering Rome’s political system.
Catherine de Medici was a powerful woman in the Renaissance era. Perhaps one of the most powerful regents to date. She tore through France in the 1500’s and left a direct effect on the men and women around her. Catherine went against the known system by vicariously ruling through King Henry II . Catherine de Medici was significant to history because she ruled France as a powerful regent for nearly thirty years, she was partly responsible for the horrors of the French wars of Religion, and she was a very profitable patron.
Niccoolo Machiavelli is an Italian writer born in 1469 and one of the most influencing writers in the history of politics. Machiavelli finished writing his famous book “The Prince” in 1514, however, the book was published in 1532 after his death. Machiavelli wrote the prince as a guide for rulers to maintain and escalate their power, therefore, he was realistic and down to earth and instead of using ideal republics he spoke the truth of the human nature and how to survive the obstacles in order to become a great “prince”. Some people claim that Machiavelli is the devil and his book is evil full of fear and hatred, however, I firmly believe that Machiavelli’s theories are wisely balanced as he did not turn a blind eye on the importance of being
Louis XIV was the best example of an absolute monarch. Louis XIV ruled in France from 1643 until 1715. During his reign, he ensured that he was in absolute power, and control the whole time. Louis XIV thought that the world should revolve around him. Louis XIV did not do anything for the good of France, he would only do things that benefited him, and he treated the people of France very poorly.
The Medici family is known as the “Godfathers of the Renaissance”. They are not only responsible for being patrons to some of the greatest innovators of their time but also changing the way life was done around them. The influence of the Medici family throughout the Renaissance period is an example of the common themes theory as the family helped with new economic development through their patronage in the arts and education. At the start of the Renaissance there was not a unit of power that truly took control of the city of Florence, until the Medici came into power. There was only religious control telling the people what they could and could not do and even those in charge of religious positions fell to corruption.
He expanded the Frankish, kingdom territory to more than double what his father had previously accomplished. He was feared but respected by his peers and even formed alliances with kings of other nations, such as the Byzantine Emperors. Although he was diligent in subduing other nations he was not known to be a merciless king, he had compassion for the poor. “When he caught wind of Christians living in poverty in Syria, Egypt, Africa, Alexandria and Carthage he would send them money overseas” (Spielvogel 218). The devoted Christian he was he built one of the most elaborate, basilicas known as Holy Mother of God at Aix-la-Chapelle.