Why Is the Medici Family Famous and Powerful?
Let's face it, nobody rocked the Renaissance as the Medici family did. They were known for their banking prowess, the Medici family were besides famed patrons of the arts. These famous Florentines did everything they could to ascension to power, and intrigue surrounds them. Here are ten Medici family facts you may not know.
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12. The Medici Family Weren't Nobles
Well, at least they didn't have noble blood. Merely the Medici family tree is full of intelligence and shrewd business acumen. And if you know the answer to "where did the Medici family alive?" and so you know why they were proclaimed the "Thousand Dukes of Tuscany."
Of grade, they didn't want their pocket-sized origins to be remembered. That'due south why they encouraged the spread of rumors most their roots. Such legends included that the family descended from the god Perseus. Some other legend claimed that the family is related to i of Charlemagne'southward knights who defeated a giant.
11. They Were the Wealthiest Family in the 15th Century
The Medici family unit started the most popular banking company in Europe, the Medici bank, and they pioneered writing rules near loans. At one point, the Medicis managed the majority of great fortunes in Europe, from merchants to members of royalty.
For a time, the currency issued by the Medici bank, the florin, was the preferred currency for business organization through Europe. Historians say that the famous "palle" (balls) on the Medici glaze of arms, represents coins. You lot can still meet their "logo" on several buildings throughout Florence.
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10. They Were Important Patrons of Art
Art came at high prices, even during the Renaissance. The Medicis believed that common folk should be able to view and appreciate art, fifty-fifty if they couldn't afford to buy it.
This is the reason why they are considered the offset marketers of fine art in modern history. The Medici family believed that paying for art, so giving it away to the church and metropolis was their "Stairway to Heaven".
9. They Were Tight with Michelangelo
Speaking of art, Michelangelo was linked directly to the Medici Family. Information technology was a beloved/detest human relationship between Michelangelo and the Medicis, merely some of the work they commissioned from him turned into his most iconic masterpieces, including the Moses, the Sistine Chapel and the statue of the David. The David is then iconic, that at present it's the symbol of Florence.
eight. They Played a Role in the Creation of Gelato
The famous Florentine family unit was instrumental in the cosmos of ane of Italy's delicacies: gelato. The Florentine chef Bernardo Buontalenti invented modern gelato in 1565, when the Yard Duke Cosimo I de' Medici asked him to organize a banquet to receive the Spanish deputation.
He decided to surprise everybody with a new invention, a tasty dessert based on eggnog, milk and fruit, giving birth to the famous "Florentine foam" and "Buontalenti". So next time you care for yourself to some gelato, thank the Medici family.
vii. Some Members of the Medici Family Became Popes
4 popes were Medicis, to be exact. The near famous, Giovanni di Lorenzo de' Medici, known every bit Leo X, had superb taste in art (like the residuum of his illustrious relatives). He wanted to rebuild and restructure St. Peter'south Basilica with the help of Michelangelo, merely there wasn't enough money.
That's why he created the "indulgences", documents which declared that people who contributed to the cathedral were absolved of sins in exchange for money. Not everybody liked this idea, especially a man that was rising against the Church: Martin Luther.
6. They Had Their Own Alchemist
The Medici even had an alchemist, Francesco di Medici. He had a hole-and-corner room, Lo Studiolo, inside the Palazzo Vecchio, decorated with hidden closets full of exotic potions and weird things from all over the earth. The fable says he had a special closet for a coveted substance: opium.
5. …And Their Own Mathematician
It'southward pretty obvious at that place are things money can't buy. Well, unless yous can count Galileo Galilei as your personal mathematician, philosopher and close buddy. Galileo gifted his old student, the Grand Duke Cosimo Two of Tuscany, the Medician stars, a discovery of four celestial orbs that became the perfect fashion to honor the renowned Medici family.
4. They Definitely Weren't Vegans
They were huge fans of meat, in all of its forms: chicken liver, duck, wild boar prosciutto and, of course, bistecca alla fiorentina (T-os steak). Dorsum in those days, this wasn't seen as an unhealthy diet, it was more than of a precious and wealthy one.
That's why some of the about well-known Medicis, like Cosimo the Elder, suffered from gout, known as the disease of the kings. While we don't recommend you eat it breakfast, lunch and dinner, Florentine steak is delicious. Try it on our Florence Evening Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Steak.
iii. They Valued Art Preservation
Because of her generous love for the city of Florence, the terminal descendant of the family, Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, created the "Family Pacts", which ensures the preservation of whatever of the Medici family's artwork.
The pact states that the artworks belong to the state to educate people almost the Medici family unit and attract foreigners. Thanks to this legacy, we can enjoy with countless treasures in Florence, like the Uffizi Gallery.
2. They Congenital the Uffizi equally their Offices
That's right, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence was their place of business organisation. In English it is definitely a surprise, simply for Italian speakers it makes sense. Uffizi literally translates to offices in English.
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Florence Walking Tour with Statue of David
Michelangelo is considered the greatest Renaissance artist and the David statue is widely known as his masterpeice. Join our English speaking guide as you skip the line to Accademia and see David. Then venture out to see the center of Florence including the Duomo (exterior), Baptistry Doors, Leather Market, and more. Admissions included.
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Skip the line Uffizi Gallery Tour
The Uffizi Gallery is the well-nigh visited museum in Florence for good reason. Join our English language speaking licensed Uffizi guide for a journey through the Medician Renaissance. Acquire all the stories behind the very art that brought our world out of the darkness. All admissions included.
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1. They Did Not Have to Walk Outside
1 of the most astounding facts about the Medici Family is they did not have to stride exterior if they did not please. They lived in the Pitti Palace in Florence which is across the Ponte Vecchio from the Uffizi. That means y'all need to cross the Arno river past way of the Ponte Vecchio to go from their palace, the Pitti Palace, to their offices, the Uffizi.
The Medici hired Giorgio Vasari to build the 760 meter long corridor from their identify of residence to Palazzo Signoria which is now named Palazzo Vecchio. This is where the government of Florence was held. A republic controlled past the Medici through cronies.
The corridor built past Vasari is 505 meters long spanning from Palazzo Pitti to the Uffizi. The additional 155 meters would include walking through the Uffizi Gallery to the Palazzo Vecchio.
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Source: https://theromanguy.com/italy-travel-blog/florence/facts-about-the-medici-family/
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