Croce, and a chapel at S. Miniato. His son Piero succeeded him. Galileo was a family tutor. Omissions? The future seemed dark to the old man as he roamed through his palace, sighing, “Too big a house for such a small family.” He died in Careggi in 1464, and a huge crowd accompanied his body to the tomb in S. Lorenzo. During the Italian Renaissance, he was considered as the de facto ruler of Florence. After his death, Cosimo’s son Piero (1416-1469) took over. Cosimo promptly moved, first to Padua and then to Venice. Cosimo inherited this influence and wealth from his family, which gave him a head start when he took the reins. Cosimo de' Medici, Lord of Florence, also known as Cosimo “the elder” de' Medici OR Cosimo "il vechio" de' Medici (1389 – 1464) is the son of Giovanni di Averardo de’ Medici. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. By using ThoughtCo, you accept our. Cosimo III de' Medici (14 August 1642 – 31 October 1723) was the penultimate (sixth) Medici Grand Duke of Tuscany. Cosimo de’ Medici is known for being the founder of one of the main lines of the Medici family that ruled Florence from 1434 to 1537. After his death, the Signoria of Florence honored Cosimo with the title Pater Patriae, meaning “father of his country.” The Death of Cosimo de' Medici One of the key figures of the Italian Renaissance died on August 1st, 1464. Lorenzo de’ Medici’s marriage and death. In short, he was well prepared for the singular opportunity that came his way in 1439, when he succeeded in enticing the ecumenical council from Ferrara to Florence. Brunelleschi completed the “marble hat” of his famous cupola at the time of Cosimo’s return in 1434; in addition, he almost completed the work on S. Lorenzo and on the Sagresta Vecchia and began work on the strange rotunda of Sta. His brother Lorenzo came with him. Pope Pius II was reportedly quoted as saying, “Political questions are settled in [Cosimo's] house. Born in 1389, Cosimo spent the first half of his life in the shadow of his father Giovanni, at a time when the Florentine Republic was in the hand of the rival Albizzi family. He indirectly controlled Milan through the Sforza family, and although his interference wasn’t always popular, his political strategies were fundamental to keeping outside powers, such as France and the Holy Roman Empire, out of Italy. He was named the priore of the Republic of Florence, giving him even more power as one of nine Signoria who governed the city-state. https://www.thoughtco.com/cosimo-de-medici-biography-4685116 (accessed February 5, 2021). Ring in the new year with a Britannica Membership, This article was most recently revised and updated by, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cosimo-de-Medici, The Medici Family - Biography of Cosimo de' Medici, Cosimo de’ Medici - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). He went on from there to manage the papacy’s finances and in 1462 filled his coffers to overflowing by obtaining from Pius II the Tolfa alum mines monopoly, alum being indispensable to Florence’s famed textile industry. Contessina de Bardi’s real name was Lotta. Piero di Cosimo de' Medici (the Gouty), (Italian: Piero "il Gottoso") (1416 – 2 December 1469) was the de facto ruler of Florence from 1464 to 1469, during the Italian Renaissance. Corrections? Even the Church wasn’t exempt from the power of Medici money. Giovanni died in 1429, leaving his sons with immense wealth. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Clement housed Catherine in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence, where she lived in state. Cosimo de' Medici was born in Florence to Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici and his wife Piccarda Bueri on 10 April 1389. In 1440 Cosimo prematurely lost his brother, who had been his staunchest supporter. The death of Pope Leo in 1521 briefly interrupted Medici power until Cardinal Giulio de' Medici was elected Pope Clement VII in 1523. Cosimo retired to Padua and Venice, where he was received like a sovereign. The help granted to Charles V allowed him to free Tuscany from the Imperial garrisons and to increase as much as possible its independence from the overwhelming Spanish influence in Italy. "Biography of Cosimo de' Medici, De Facto Ruler of Florence." Facts about Cosimo de Medici talk about the fist Medici political dynastic. Florence prospered. Cosimo was imprisoned in 1433 after a failed bid to conquer the nearby Republic of Lucca, but he was able to negotiate down from imprisonment to a sentence of exile from the city. Cosimo I, in full Cosimo de’ Medici, byname Cosimo the Great, Italian Cosimo il Grande, (born June 12, 1519—died April 21, 1574, Castello, near Florence [Italy]), second duke of Florence (1537–74) and first grand duke of Tuscany (1569–74). As the head of the Medici clan, Cosimo’s power only increased. His full name was Cosimo di Giovanni de’ Medici. Although the term length was short, the role helped him consolidate his power, and he later held a political post again as an ambassador. The rich library of Lorenzo the Magnificent, grandson of Cosimo and an even greater patron of learning and the arts, also became a public library. The Albizzi soon discovered that so wealthy a man could not be assassinated so easily. He served on the Florentine board of war, called the Dieci (The Ten), and held other posts. Cosimo de’ Medici, also known as Cosimo the Elder, has a pretty impressive CV. Season 3, which is now streaming on Netflix, also serves as the last season for the show — Lorenzo was, after all, the last great Medici. He was born along with a twin brother Damiano, who survived only a short time. Cosimo de’ Medici died on August 1, 1464 at the Villa Medici in Careggi. He also made an alliance with the Sforzas of Milan, who, for gold, provided him with troops. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. He drew up plans for a princely palace for Cosimo; but the latter preferred the less lofty plans of Michelozzo, although Michelozzo’s Medici Palace (the modern Palazzo Medici-Riccardi) was only slightly less grandiose and provided the first break with the family’s traditional stance of humility. In addition to architects, Cosimo gathered around him all the masters of an age abounding in geniuses: the sculptors Lorenzo Ghiberti and Donatello and the painters Andrea del Castagno, Fra Angelico, and Benozzo Gozzoli. He was a twin, along with his brother Damiano, but Damiano died soon after birth. He then re-created Plato’s ancient academy in his villa of Careggi, where Marsilio Ficino became the Platonic cult’s high priest. Although Cosimo's descendants had an even larger influence, Cosimo de’ Medici laid the foundation that turned the Medici—and the city of Florence—into historical powerhouses. During Cosimo’s reign, the Medicis gained fame and prestige first in Florence and then across Italy and Europe. He was the son of Giovanni dalle Bande Nere and Maria Salviati. (2020, August 28). With this move he firmly restored the power of the Medici, who thereafter ruled Florence until the death of the last of the Medici, Gian Gas… Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. The bank expanded, branching out from Florence to reach all the other major Italian city-states, including Rome, Venice, and Geneva. She died, with her sons Giovanni and Garzia, in 1562, aged forty. The manuscripts picked up by his agents form the core of the incomparable library that is rather unjustly called the Laurentian (Laurenziana), after his grandson. The same year, Cosimo married Contessina de’ Bardi, the daughter of the count of Vernio. Still, he continued to … Biography of Cosimo de' Medici, De Facto Ruler of Florence. At the time of Cosimo's birth, the Medici were already a powerful banking family in Florence. They had a powerful bank with branches all over Europe that went bankrupt in 1345.They lent a huge sum of money to the king of England, Edward III, who needed to finance the interminable war against France. Cosimo de’ Medici, byname Cosimo the Elder, Italian Cosimo il Vecchio, Latin byname Pater Patriae (Father of his Country), (born Sept. 27, 1389, Florence—died Aug. 1, 1464, Careggi, near Florence), founder of one of the main lines of the Medici family that ruled Florence from 1434 to 1537. Florence was, officially, a representative form of government, governed by municipal councils and the Signoria. Cosimo de’ Medici was born Cosimo di Giovani de’ Medici, the son of Giovanni de’ Medici and his wife, Piccarda (née Bueri). Cosimo I de' Medici (12 June 1519 – 21 April 1574) was the second Duke of Florence from 1537 until 1569, when he became the first Grand Duke of Tuscany, a title he held until his death. At the same time the University of Florence, with conspicuous success, resumed the teaching of Greek, which had been unknown in the West for 700 years. Upon his return, he began working to quash the factional rivalries that had led to his banishment and that had plagued Florence for years. Exactly one year later, a sudden and unexpected move by the Medici, in which they doctored elections, gave them back the signoria (council of government). Cosimo de’ Medici, byname Cosimo the Elder, Italian Cosimo il Vecchio, Latin byname Pater Patriae (Father of his Country), (born Sept. 27, 1389, Florence—died Aug. 1, 1464, Careggi, near Florence), founder of one of the main lines of the Medici family that ruled Florence from 1434 to 1537. Cosimo I de’ Medici (1519 - 74) was Duke of Florence between 1537 and his death. The Roman branch created ties to the papacy. The success the Medici enjoyed in the 15th century is clouded by the show’s focus on creating unfortunate events. Cosimo brought his banking business with him and gained the support of many along the way, garnering praise for accepting exile instead of continuing the tradition of bloody intra-city power struggles. The Bardi bank ultimately failed, but the Bardi were still influential and powerful, and the marriage was intended to cement an alliance between two of Italy’s most powerful families. The Council of Florence, Cosimo’s most important success in foreign relations, deluded itself into believing it had finally ended the schism with the Eastern Church. Cosimo only had to perpetuate the formula of those he was evicting, in other words, to maintain the appearance of a constitutional regime. The couple had two children: Piero, who would be the next Medici patriarch and was later known as Piero the Gouty, and Giovanni. Previously, it was the rule to fill high official positions by drawing lots. Amanda Prahl is a playwright, lyricist, freelance writer, and university instructor. Marriage and family. As for Cosimo, he assiduously attended the lectures delivered by the Greek scholars, and at the age of 50 he became an ardent admirer of Plato. In addition to backing artists, the Medicis helped support scientists, such … Cosimo de’ Medici, the older brother, established the family’s political base. At the time, it was customary to indicate the name of one's father in one's name for the purpose of distinguishing the identities of two like-named individuals; thus, Giovanni was the son of Bicci, and Cosimo's name was properly rendered Cosimo di Giovanni de' Medici. 6. The jailer was bribed to taste Cosimo’s food beforehand, and the gonfalonier, assuaged by the famous gold-bearing mules, arranged to have the usual death sentence reduced to banishment. In later years, Cosimo de' Medici also was instrumental in brokering a balance of power in northern Italy that allowed for the Italian Renaissance to flourish. ThoughtCo, Aug. 28, 2020, thoughtco.com/cosimo-de-medici-biography-4685116. The two women at the extremes of the lineage are particularly remarkable: at the start is Contessina de Bardi dei Conti di Vieri, in her role as a pillar of support for her husband Cosimo il Vecchio pater patria, the head of the family who first established its political significance. His two sons were Piero (1416–69) and Giovanni (1424–63). Cosimo I de' Medici (12 June 1519 – 21 April 1574) was the second Duke of Florence from 1537 until 1569, when he became the first Grand Duke of Tuscany, a title he held until his death. Cosimo required undivided power in order to carry out his plans as well as to satisfy his passions, above all his passion for building. He was the elder son of Ferdinando I de' Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, and Christina of Lorraine. The Signoria was the governmental body of the Republic of Florence and consisted of nine members elected from the guilds of Florence. Maybe in season two. But, in order not to be taken by surprise like the Albizzi, he perfected the system. Cosimo also organized a methodical search for ancient manuscripts, both within Christendom and even, with Sultan Mehmed II’s permission, in the East. Piero di Cosimo de’ Medici, byname Piero The Gouty, Italian Piero Il Gottoso, (born 1416—died Dec. 2, 1469), ruler of Florence for five years (1464–69), whose successes in war helped preserve the enormous prestige bequeathed by his father, Cosimo the Elder.. Cosimo II de' Medici was Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1609 until his death. This “diplomatic revolution,” supported by Cosimo de’ Medici, the unofficial head of the Florentine republic, is the most significant illustration of the emergence of balance-of-power diplomacy in Renaissance Italy.…, …Bicci (1360–1429), who founded the Medici bank and in 1422 was appointed as banker to the papacy. "Biography of Cosimo de' Medici, De Facto Ruler of Florence." Cosimo also had an illegitimate son, Carlo, by an enslaved Circassian named Maddalena; Contessina agreed to care for the child. Cosimo also had a younger brother, Lorenzo, who joined him in the family banking business in adulthood. His father, considered the first of the great Medici, had inherited the family business based on cloth and silk manufacturing and on banking operations and made the family powerfully prosperous. He opened it to the public and employed copyists in order to disseminate scholarly editions compiled by, among others, the Humanists Poggio and Marsilio Ficino. At the time, it was customary to indicate the name of one's father in one's name for the purpose of distinguishing the identities of two like-named individuals; thus, Giovanni was the son of Bicci, and Cosimo's name was properly rendered Cosimo di Giovanni de' Medici. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/cosimo-de-medici-biography-4685116. In 1539, he married Eleonora di Toledo (1522–1562). He reigned from 1670 to 1723, and was the elder son of Grand Duke Ferdinando II. Cosimo’s father, Giovanni, stepped back from the operations of the Medici Bank in 1420, leaving Cosimo and his brother Lorenzo to run it. By the 1430s, Cosimo de' Medici and his family were the most powerful in Florence, which posed a threat to other influential families such as the Strozzi and Albizzi. Although his power was unofficial, deriving mostly from his immense wealth, he was highly influential as the founder of the powerful Medici dynasty. Cosimo de' Medici died on August 1, 1464, and upon his death, granted the title Pater Patriae "Father of his Country." Prahl, Amanda. After his father died in 1429, Cosimo continued the family's commercial and financial practices with great success. Prahl, Amanda. In June 1537 Cosimo was recognized as head of the Florentine state by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, in exchange for help against France in the course of the Italian Wars. He belonged to a branch of the wealthy and powerful de’ Medici family, who had dominated Florence since the time of Cosimo the Elder (1389 - 1464). Under Cosimo’s rule and that of his son and grandson, Renaissance culture … He also financially supported Brunelleschi so that the architect could complete the Duomo, one of Florence’s most famous landmarks. Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com: accessed ), memorial page for Cosimo de Medici I (12 Jun 1519–21 Apr 1574), Find a Grave Memorial no. Her history and arts writing has been featured on Slate, HowlRound, and BroadwayWorld.​, ThoughtCo uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. With this move, Cosimo firmly restored the power of the Medici, who thereafter ruled Florence until the death of the last of the Medici ruler, Gian Gastone de' Medici, in 1737. The Italian merchant prince Cosimo de' Medici (1389-1464), also known as “the Elder,” was the unofficial and benevolent despot of Florence, contributing much to making it the intellectual and cultural jewel of 15th-century Europe. The dynasty he founded ruled Florence until 1494. One of his lasting legacies was the Palazzo Medici, which included work by major artists of the era. Despite some factions calling for his continued imprisonment or even execution, Cosimo was able to achieve his desired sentence. He was born on September 27th, 1398 and died on August 1st, 1464. Cosimo de' Medici was born in Florence to Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici and his wife Piccarda Bueri on 10 April 1389. He was a noted sponsor of poets, philosophers, orators, and artists, spending vast sums of money as a patron of art and thought. Cosimo de’ Medici was the son of Piccarda Bueri de’ Medici and Giovanni di Bicci de’ Medici. It was opened in…. Cosimo used his influence and wealth to improve Florence as a whole. As he believed in democracy, Cosimo didn’t take office for long. He was succeeded as the head of the Medici family by his son, Piero, whose own son would come to be known as Lorenzo the Magnificent. In reality, Rosa never existed. Prior to the Medici family's domination of the banking world, the Bardi clan had run one of the richest banks in Europe. 1415 was an important year for Cosimo de' Medici. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. What better guar… This alliance permitted Cosimo to crush the rising opposition by a coup d’état in August 1458 and to create a Senate composed of 100 loyal supporters (the Cento, or Hundred); thus he was able to live out the last six years of his life in security. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Interestingly, the majority of this wealth came from the bank’s business in Rome; only about ten percent of it came directly from Florence. His son Cosimo, who dominated the, …the basis of Niccoli’s library, Cosimo de’ Medici set up the Biblioteca Marciana in Florence in the convent of San Marco. He not only assured these artists of commissions but also treated them as friends at a time when people still looked upon them as manual workers. This Florentine dynasty was at the height of its wealth and political power from mid 1200’s. Untimely death is a historical reality in the Medici family tree, but to be accurate the series will have to consider later events like the assassination of Giuliano and the murder of Duke Alessandro. He was succeeded as the head of the Medici family by his son, Piero, whose own son would come to be known as Lorenzo the Magnificent. He reigned from 1670 to 1723, and was the elder son of Grand Duke Ferdinando II. Afflicted by gout (a hereditary ailment of the Medici), Piero was so badly crippled that he was often able to use only his … In 1410, Giovanni lent Baldassare Cossa the money to purchase the rank of cardinal. Cosimo's father, Giovanni, founded the Medici Bank, following the dissolution of another Medici relative’s bank. ThoughtCo. The first season chronicled the life of Cosimo de' Medici (Richard Madden) while Seasons 2 and 3 follows the life of Lorenzo de' Medici who was also known as Lorenzo the Magnificent (Daniel Sharman). Maria degli Angeli. After Alfonsina's death in 1520, Catherine joined her cousins and was raised by her aunt, Clarice de' Medici. Key Dates in Renaissance Philosophy, Politics, Religion, and Science, 5 Interesting Facts About the Medici Coat of Arms, Biography of Sandro Botticelli, Birth of Venus Painter, Florence: The Center of Early Italian Renaissance Art, Biography of Catherine de Medici, Renaissance Queen, Biography of Leonardo da Vinci, Inventor and Artist of the Renaissance, Niccolò Machiavelli's Life, Philosophy, & Influence, Donatello - Master of Renaissance Sculpture, Bartolomeo Cristofori and the History of the Piano, Industry and Agriculture History in Europe, M.F.A, Dramatic Writing, Arizona State University, B.A., English Literature, Arizona State University, B.A., Political Science, Arizona State University. Lorenzo later became the single greatest patron of Italian Renaissance art, culture, and thought. Cosimo de’ Medici (April 10, 1389–August 1, 1464) was a banker and politician in early Renaissance-era Florence. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Lucrezia de' Medici (14 February 1545 – 21 April 1561), was a member of the House of Medici and by marriage Duchess consort of Ferrara, Modena and Reggio during 1558–1561. In 1463 he had to face the loss of his most gifted son, Giovanni, thus leaving the succession to Piero, born in 1416, who was sickly and almost constantly bedridden. Cosimo de’ Medici is buried in a tomb in the church of San Lorenzo in Florence, Italy. He was the first son of the man who set the Medici on the path to fortune, Giovanni di Bicci. His family made their money in banking and, unfortunately, his dalliance in politics landed him in prison and subsequent exile for a period of time. Prahl, Amanda. Under the patronage of Cosimo, Michelozzo also built the convent of S. Marco, the Medici Chapel at Sta. Cosimo I de' Medici (12 June 1519 – 21 April 1574) was Duke of Florence from 1537 to 1574 and then the first Medici Grand Duke of Tuscany from 1569. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Cosimo triumphantly reentered the city; and his enemies went into exile, never to return. The process was now manipulated so that only the names of men who could be depended upon were drawn. After his death, the Signoria of Florence honored Cosimo with the title Pater Patriae, meaning “father of his country.” It was Cosimo who ensured that his grandson, Lorenzo, had a full humanistic education. As such, much was expected from him. His son, Lorenzo the Magnificent(1449-1492), would subsequently rule during the pinnacle of the Florentine Renaissance. For the majority of his twelve-year reign, he delegated the administration of Tuscany to his ministers. He was a patron of the arts and humanism and played an important role in the Italian Renaissance. He made no changes in the law’s actual administration, but in the spirit of the law he changed everything. She was born around 1391 into the ancient and prestigious family of the Bardi. In 1431 Cosimo was vacationing in Cafaggiolo when he received a summons to reply to his indictment for the capital crime “of having sought to elevate himself higher than others.” He could have taken refuge in Bologna, but instead he chose to let himself be incarcerated in a small dungeon in the Palazzo Vecchio. As a result of the death of Giovanni de’ Medici in 1429, Cosimo was elected to hold his father’s seat in the Signoria of Florence. The son of Giovanni di Bicci (1360–1429), Cosimo was initiated into affairs of high finance in the corridors of the Council of Constance, where he represented the Medici bank. He is king in all but name.”. Cosimo de' Medici was born on Sept. 27, 1389, the son of Giovanni de' Medici, who founded the family's legendary fortune, amassing enormous sums in trade and banking. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The twins were named after Saints Cosmas and Damian Cossa went on to become the antipope John XXIII, and he repaid the Medici family by putting the Medici Bank in charge of all papal finances. The following year, the signoria conferred upon him the deserved title of Pater Patriae (Father of His Country). Such great power alone would have been sufficient to set the oligarchy against him; his “popular” policies rendered him completely intolerable. Lorenzo de’ Medici (also known as the Elder), was the younger brother of Cosimo. In the series, he is a womanizer who loses his heart to Rosa and ultimately never marries. Is clouded by the show ’ s son Piero ( 1416–69 ) and (! 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