Page 41 - All About History - Issue 56-17

Time Traveller’s Handbook
RENAISSANCE FLORENCE

WHO TO BEFRIEND WHO TO AVOID
Lorenzo de’ Medici Jacapo de’ Pazzi
No man wields more influence in late 15th-century Florence than Lorenzo the The aristocratic de’ Pazzis are
Magnificent. The latest head of the Medici clan, his family control the largest bank fabulously wealthy, but not as rich as
in Europe, even acting as personal bankers to the pope. Lorenzo’s grandfather, the upstart Medicis and lack
Cosimo, parlayed their wealth into political power, making the Medicis the virtual their political clout. To try
rulers of Florence. Lorenzo, famous for his and seize power for his
intelligence, was negotiating contracts with family, head of the
the papacy from the age of 17. Raised household, Jacapo,
as a statesman rather than a banker, has conspired with
he rules benevolently — patronising Pope Sixtus IV to
the arts and bankrolling festivals kill Lorenzo during
— while further concentrating the Easter Mass on
republic’s power into his own hands. 26 April 1478.
However, only
Extra tip: Artists seeking Lorenzo’s brother
patronage from Lorenzo should Giuliano will die
not be overly concerned with and Florence will
realism. Notoriously ugly, rally around Lorenzo,
Lorenzo has a long flattened further strengthening
nose with no sense of smell, his position. Jacopo,
his heavy jaw juts forward so his relative Francesco
his lower lip almost covers and the priests who
the upper and his eyebrows will assist them will be
are bumpy. Unsurprisingly, executed. The rest of the de’
none of his portraits depict Pazzis will be exiled and their coat
any of this. Fig.03 of arms suppressed forever more. Fig.04

Helpful skills Being an artist isn’t the only way to get ahead in Florence.
Perfect the following skills to prosper

Fig.05 Salesmanship
The prosperity of
Florence is based on
commerce. Try to forge
connections with local
merchants and hopefully
watch the money roll.

Fig.07
Political acumen
With so much political
intrigue in the air, swot Military training
up on your Machiavelli. After Lorenzo’s botched
Better still, befriend the assassination, Pope Sixtus IV will
man himself! declare war on Florence. France is
also interested in the city’s wealth,
Fig.06 so practice your swordsmanship.
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