Niccolò Machiavelli, often synonymous with cunning and ruthless political tactics, is frequently misunderstood. His works, particularly "The Prince," are much more than guides to unscrupulous behavior. They reflect a deep un…
In this episode, we unlock the enigma of Niccolò Machiavelli, the man whose name is a byword for cunning strategy. With the fall of Savonarola as our starting point, we'll traverse Machiavelli's rise from a modest upbringing…
Step behind the curtain of history as we dissect the Italian Wars—a tapestry of strategy and bloodshed that forever altered the landscape of Renaissance Italy. Be prepared to unravel the aftermath of Charles VIII's invasion …
The spring of 1498 Florence concludes the tumultuous story of Girolamo Savonarola, a man who once held the city in his moral grasp. Journey with us through the fervent streets of a divided Florence, where faith and power col…
Step inside Renaissance Florence's tumultuous political and religious landscape, as we unravel Girolamo Savonarola's meteoric rise and dramatic clash with Pope Alexander VI. This episode peels back the layers of Savonarola's…
The once-great Medici name, synonymous with power and artistry, crumbled under Piero de Medici's rule as he faltered where his father, Lorenzo the Magnificent, had thrived. Listen in as we navigate through the events of his …
Our latest episode delves into the seismic events of 1494, as France's quest for Italian dominance under Charles VIII abruptly ended Italy's golden era. We unravel the political machinations that left Italy fragmented for ce…
This episode delves into the complex relationships among Italian states during the late 15th century. We'll spotlight the four major regional states outside of Florence. Venice shifted from a maritime empire to a focus on …
Lorenzo de Medici left an indelible mark on Italian politics and economics during a time riddled with conspiracy and war. In this episode, we explore Medici rule in the aftermath of the Pazzi conspiracy, the impact of war on…
This episode promises a richer understanding of the Florentine "Golden Age" marked by the prolific patronage of Lorenzo de Medici, who fostered an inspiring environment for artists and writers alike. We will spotlight his s…
Ever wondered how the seeds of the early modern period were sown? Prepare to journey back to mid-15th century Florence, a period of profound intellectual evolution, as we trace the steps of the central figure of this shift -…
We venture into the complex world of 15th-century Italy, exploring the early years of Lorenzo de' Medici's rule and the intricate web of politics, diplomacy, and intrigue that shaped the Italian Renaissance. When Lorenzo de…
This episode tackles the uneasy shift towards dynastic rule, casting light on Piero de Medici's humanist upbringing, his complex web of relationships, and the political discontent that simmered as he inherited power from his…
Ever marvel at the architectural genius of one of Italy's grandest cathedrals? We journey back to the 15th century and unravel the fascinating story of Florence's Santa Maria del Fiore's majestic dome. We unravel the inval…
Donatello was perhaps the greatest of Renaissance sculptors, with a life filled with artistry and intrigue. This is Donatello's story, layered with insights into his character and his rapport with Cosimo de Medici, providin…
Get ready to step back into the heart of the Florentine Renaissance, where we unravel the fascinating tales of book hunters who reshaped the intellectual landscape of Europe. The episode takes us through the journey of renow…
This episode will take you on a historical journey, shedding light on the complex cultural, linguistic, and administrative differences and the theological disputes that fueled the Great Schism between the Latin Church and th…
In this episode, we continue to explore Cosimo de Medici's delicate balancing act of power and his unique approach to ruling without seeming to do so. We broaden our gaze to the broader political landscape of the time, deta…
In the last episode, our journey began with Giovanni di Medici, the unassuming but shrewd head of a flourishing bank, whose political maneuvers and wealth catapulted his family into prominence. In this episode, we continue …
In 1397, Banco dei Medici was founded by Giovanni de Bicci de Medici, the progenitor of the influential Medici family. He skillfully built his bank through a close relationship with the papacy, and the church, despite conde…
Modern banking traces its roots back to the 12th century. Medieval moneychangers expanded their services from currency exchange to partnerships, deposits, credit, and foreign exchange. With the growth of commerce, the trad…
Historian Hans Baron referred to it as the crisis of the Early Renaissance. In 1390, war broke out between Florence and Milan. At stake was the possibility of Italy becoming a unified kingdom or remaining fractured into i…
If Milan can be seen as the model despotic Renaissance state, then Florence portrayed herself as the ideal of civic republicanism. Throughout the 1300s, Florence grew fearful of the growing power of Milan under the Visconti…
In the latter half of the 14th century, the Trecento, Gian Galeazzo Visconti, Lord of Milan, would dominate the political landscape of Italy. Consolidating power as the single rule of the Milanese state, Gian Galeazzo set h…
