The Medici Family

The Medici family left a powerful impact and imprint on today's world. They, among other world-changing things helped start the Italian Renaissance. This family lived from around the 13th to the 17th century. Many generations grew out of this lineage and produced such people as Popes (Leo X, Clement VII, and Leo XI), some very infamous rulers of the Flornce, Italy area at the time of their existance (more notably Lorenzo de' Medici), and even some of the very infamous French and English royalties we know of today.

The Medici family first came to their arriving of a smaller power, in starting the Medici Bank. The birth to this bank ultimately led to power within Florence alone at first, and then eventually grew out to give them even more influence within Italy and even spreading to Europe. Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici was the first of this family to enter this banking business.

The Medici name also held many responsibilities within the developing of art and architecture of the time. Their family helped construct churches, as well as painting their walls with beautiful frescoes. Some of the biggest names in art that the world has ever known assisted the family of the Medicis-Donatello, Michaelangelo, and others.

Not only did this successful reigning family produce a name in art, but also that in architecture. They were the ones to construct some of the most beautiful architectural buildings in Italy as we know it, such as the Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, Boboli Gardens, Belvedere, and Palazzo Medici. All of these were some of the beautiful structures the world has ever come to know.

The science world was also impacted by the great line of the Medicis. Galileo was known to have taught and tutor many of the Medici children in the sciences. None of the Medici family members came out to being scientists, however, it is known that Galileo DID name the 4 moons of Jupiter after some 4 Medici children he tutored.

Even though this family has seemingly accomplished much in their long lineage, their attitude about it all was that of a selfish, stuck-up, uncaring, work-your-way-to-the-top-no-matter-what sort of attitude that left a bad impression on the surrounding people of that time. They cared more about royal status and riches, even if it meant hurting others.

Books Cited:

Thompson, P. Stephen. The Renaissance; Greenhaven Press. San Diego, CA; 2000.

Payne, M. Melvin. The Renaissance, Maker of Modern Man; National Geographic. 1970.