De' Medici Family

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De’ Medici Family The House of Medici was one of the most significant Florentine political and banking dynasties during the European Renaissance. Later it became a powerful and prominent royal house under Cosimo de’ Medici in the Republic of Florence. Originally from the Mugello region in the Tuscan countryside, the family’s power gradually rose until it was able to found the Medici Bank in 1397. It was the largest and most respected bank during its time, and eventually made the House of Medici the wealthiest family in Europe (Jurdjevig 1). The Medici family also had an impact in the history of the Catholic Church with four Popes from the Medici heritage. Along with the family’s political stature and religious role, it too was a great supporter of the arts and architecture in Florence and Italy (“Medici, House” 2). As one of the greatest influential powers of the Renaissance Era, the Medici family played a very big part in political control, religious influence, and artistic patronage in European society. Over time, the family gained authority slowly until they were able to found the Medici Bank. The family’s wealth and influence was initially derived from the family’s textile trade guided by the Arte della Lana, a wool guild during the late Middle Ages and Renaissance in Florence. Some members of the family received better reputation in wool trade during the early 14th century with Spain and France. Even though some of the family members were in the city’s government, it was still far less prominent than other notable families of the time. From Averardo de’ Medici branch in the family, the Medici dynasty originated (“Medici, House” 1). From Averardo de’ Medici came Giovanni di Bicci, the man responsible for the family’s wealth and prosperity. Giovanni di Bicci built up one of the greatest fortunes in Florence and created the Medici Bank in 1397. As a result, he

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