THE FIRST VOLUME.
FIRST BOOK.
FLORENCE AND THE MEDICI TO THE DEATH OF COSIMO THE ELDER.
| CHAPTER I. | |
| THE HOUSE AND FAMILY OF THE MEDICI. DEVELOPMENTOF THE FLORENTINE DEMOCRACY. | |
| PAGE | |
| The House of Medici—Original Dwelling-places—The first Appearance of theMedici—Commencement of the Florentine Community—The Communityand the Imperial Power—Ghibellines and Guelfs—Consuls and Podestà—Governmentby a Citizen Guard—Captain of the People—FlourishingState of the Town in the Thirteenth Century—Party Factions in the LastDays of the Hohenstaufen—Decisive Victory over the Guelfs after KingManfred’s Death—Internal Condition—Foreign Viceroys—Growth of theClass of Citizens after the Middle of the Thirteenth Century—Beginningsof the Guild System—The Seven Great Societies—Government and Magistracyof the Priors—Democratic Reform of Giano della Bella—Limitationof the Citizens’ Share in the Government—The Ordinances of Justiceagainst the Nobility—The Signory, or Upper Governing Department, andthe Councillors—Exercise of the Municipal Franchise—Parliament—VainEndeavours for Equality of Power among the Public Authorities | [3] |
| CHAPTER II. | |
| THE FOURTEENTH CENTURY. RULE OF THE ALBIZZI. GIOVANNIAND AVERARDO DE’ MEDICI. | |
| Origin and Arms of the Medici—Public Affairs in the First Half of the FourteenthCentury—Mistakes at Home and Misfortunes Abroad—The Duke ofAthens—Party Politics—Guelf Magistracy—Expulsion of the Proscribed(Ammoniti)—Salvestro de’ Medici—Rebellion of the Lower Classes (Tumultode’ Ciompi)—Averardo de’ Medici, called Bicci—Great Authority ofthe Albizzi Family and their Friends—Giovanni de’ Medici, son of Averardo—Florenceunder the Rule of the Albizzi—Campaign against theVisconti—Plunder of Pisa—The State of Finance in Florence—Wealthand Activity of John de’ Medici—Florence and Filippo Maria Visconti—InternalCondition during the War against Milan—Rinaldo degli Albizzi—Positionof the great with regard to the smaller Citizens—Public Troubles—TheEstimo and Loans—Increase and Inequality of the Taxes—TheCadaster, its Framework, Operations, and Product Position of Giovannide’ Medici with regard to the Cadaster—Death of Giovanni de’ Medici—Opinionsabout him | [20] |
| CHAPTER III. | |
| THE CITY OF FLORENCE TO THE BEGINNING OF THE FIFTEENTHCENTURY. | |
| Situation and Origin of Florence—Roman Times and the Early Part of theMiddle Ages—Florence before and in the Time of Dante—Architecture inthe Thirteenth Century—Towers—Rubacon Bridge—Churches—Sta.Maria Novella and Sta. Croce—Enlargement of the Town and Third Wall—Arnolfodi Cambio, called di Lapo—St. Maria del Fiore and Palace ofthe Signoria—Churches, Hospitals, Castles in the Province—Building ofPalaces and Houses—Style of the Churches—Tuscan Gothic—Cimabueand Giotto—Giotto and the Cathedral—Belfry of the Cathedral—TaddeoGaddi—The Hall of Or San Michele—Enlargement of the Palace of thePodestà—Architecture of the Middle of the Fourteenth Century—ReligiousInstitutions—St. Anne’s Chapel in Or San Michele—New Church-building—Societyof Artists—Hall of the Signory (Loggia de Lanzi)—FamilyResidences—Sculpture—Andrea Pisano and his School—Painting—Andreadi Cione, called Arcagna—Hospitals and Monuments—FilippoBrunelleschi—Church of Sta. Maria del Fiore—The Foundling Hospital(Innocenti)—San Lorenzo—Sto. Spirito—Other Works of Brunelleschi—DwellingHouses—Streets and Pavements—Sculpture of the FifteenthCentury—Ghiberti and Donatello—Painting—Fra Angelico of Fiesole andMasaccio—General Appearance of the Town—The Environs—FortifiedVillas and Monasteries | [38] |
| CHAPTER IV. | |
| INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND LIFE. | |
| The great Guilds and their Position—Guild of Woollen-weavers (Arte dellaLana)—Guild of Cloth Merchants (Catimala)—Guild of Silk-weavers (Artedella Seta)—Guild of Money-changers (Cambia)—Tuscan Money-changersAbroad—Positions of Money-changers in France and England—Bankruptcyof the large Banks—Financial Distress at Home—Revival of Commerce inthe Beginning of the Fifteenth Century—Customs of the Money Exchange—GeneralFeeling of the Citizen Class—Regulations for the Beautifyingand Security of the Town—Character of the Populace—Habits andCustoms in the Fourteenth Century—Popular and Church Festivals—St.John’s Day—Merry-making and Pastimes of the People—The Florentinesin the Beginning of the Fifteenth Century | [67] |
| CHAPTER V. | |
| THE ALBIZZI AND COSIMO DE’ MEDICI. | |
| Cosimo de’ Medici in his Youth—Countess of Bardi and her Family—TheMedici and Pope John XXIII.—Death of John XXIII. in Florence—PublicActs of Cosimo de’ Medici—The Position of Cosimo towards theParty of Albizzi—The Albizzi in the Fourteenth Century—Piero degliAlbizzi and the Magistracy of the Guelf Party—The Tumult of the Ciompi,Exile of the Albizzi—Authority of Maso degli Albizzi—Rinaldo degliAlbizzi—Niccolo da Uzzano—Palla Strozzi and his Family—FlourishingCondition of the Town and Commonwealth—War against Lucca—Relationof Rinaldo to Cosimo de’ Medici—Proceedings of the Oligarchy againstCosimo—Cosimo’s Capture—Cosimo’s Banishment—Unsettled State ofThings—Rinaldo’s Appeal to Arms—Cosimo is called back, and returns—Exileof the Albizzi—Cosimo’s Gonfaloniership—Review of the AlbizziRule—Florentine Order and its Formation—The Subjection of the smallerCommunes—Conditions of this Subjection—Statutes—Acquisition ofPistoja, Volterra, Prato, and Arezzo—The Accomandigia | [86] |
| CHAPTER VI. | |
| SUPREMACY OF COSIMO DE’ MEDICI TO THE REFORM OF LUCCA PITTI. | |
| Pope Eugene in Florence—Political Positions on Cosimo’s return Home—Antecedentsof the Medici Party—Lucca Pitti—Neri Capponi—TheAcciaiuoli—Agnolo and Donate Acciaiuoli—Diotisalvi Neroni—The Giugniand other Friends of the Medici, the Pandolfini, Salviati, Guicciardini—Cosimo’sParty-management—Restriction of free Voting by the Practice ofNominating to the Magistracy—Abrogation of the Law against the Nobles—Relationstowards his Opponents—Palla Strozzi—Troubled Lot ofRinaldo degli Albizzi and his Family—Cosimo’s Attitude towards his ownParty—Neri Capponi—Baldaccio d’Anghiari—Disunion in the DominantParty—Termination of Extra-legal Authority—Re-introduction of theSelection of Magistrates by Vote—The Formation of the Cadaster—ProgressiveScale—Taxation in the Hands of the Medici—Revision of theCadaster in 1458—Discontent of powerful Burghers of the Medici Party—LucaPitti, Gonfalonier—Change in the Government—New Commissionfor the Choice of Magistrates and for Taxation—Weakening of Cosimo’sAuthority—Violence of his Adherents | [114] |
| CHAPTER VII. | |
| FOREIGN AFFAIRS. PEACE AND WAR. COUNCIL OF UNION. | |
| War with Milan and Naples—Filippo Maria Visconti and Alfonso of Naples—Endof the Visconti—Francesco Sforza, Duke of Milan—Relations ofSforza with Florence and Cosimo de’ Medici—Alliance of Venice andNaples against Florence—War in the Valley of Chiana and in theMaremma—Peace of Lodi—The Sack of Constantinople—Triumph of theHouse of Aragon in Naples—Pope Eugene IV.—Contest of the Holy Seewith the Council of Basle—Council of Union at Florence—Reunion of theChurches of the East and West—Sojourn of Pope Eugenius IV. in Florence—Consecrationof the Cathedral and of the Church of Sta. Croce—TheEugenius College—Political Complications—René of Anjou in Florence—Returnof the Pope to Rome—Pope Pius II. in Florence—Death of ArchbishopSt. Antonine—Charlotte of Lusignan in Florence | [139] |
| CHAPTER VIII. | |
| LAST DAYS OF COSIMO DE MEDICI. | |
| Cosimo in Advanced Age—Death of his Brother Lorenzo—His sons Piero andGiovanni—Piero’s Marriage to Lucrezia Tornabuoni—Death of Giovanni—Piero’sChildren—Cosimo’s Manner of Life—Cosimo’s Disposition andCharacter—Cosimo in Outward Demeanour and in Business—Cosimo’sEcclesiastical Edifices—Churches and Monasteries, Palace and Villas—Buildingsand Foundations Abroad—Cosimo’s Last Days at Careggi Villa—Piero’sLetter to his Sons—Death of Cosimo—Marsilio Ficino on Cosimo—Cosimode’ Medici the Father of his Country | [153] |
SECOND BOOK.
PIERO DE’ MEDICI. FIRST YEARS OF LORENZO THE MAGNIFICENT.
| CHAPTER I. | |
| PIERO DE’ MEDICI, HIS RELATIONS AND FRIENDS. | |
| Piero de’ Medici and his Family—Lucrezia Tornabuoni de’ Medici—Lorenzode’ Medici—Lorenzo’s Education—Gentile de’ Becchi of Urbino—HisYouthful Years and Dispositions—Giuliano de’ Medici—Bianca de’ MediciPazzi—The Family of Pazzi—Andrea, Piero, Jacopo de’ Pazzi and theirRelatives—Nannina de’ Medici Rucellai—The Rucellai—Giovanni and hisSon Bernardo—The Soderini—Lorenzo Soderini and his Sons Niccolò andTommaso | [167] |
| CHAPTER II. | |
| LORENZO’S YOUTH. CONSPIRACY OF DIOTISALVI NERONI ANDHIS COMPANIONS. | |
| Meeting of Lorenzo de’ Medici with Federigo d’Aragona, younger Son of KingFerrante of Naples—Florence in relation to the Aragonese and to Sforza—Lorenzoin Upper Italy—The Pulci—Luigi Pulci—Lorenzo in Rome—PopePaul II.—Death of Francesco Sforza—Piero de’ Medici and the Houseof Sforza—Galeazzo Maria, Duke of Milan—The Medici Party after theDeath of Cosimo—Piero de’ Medici and Diotisalvi Neroni—Diotisalvi’sDesigns against the Medici—His connection with Niccolò Soderini andLuca Pitti—Agnolo Acciaiuoli—The Causes of Discord—Niccolò Soderinias Gonfalonier—Neglected Opportunities of Trade—Fruitless Attempt atCompensation—Conspiracy against the Medici—Lorenzo with King Ferrantein Naples—Preparations on both Sides—The Villa of Careggi—Piero’sIllness there—Lorenzo’s Presence of Mind at an Attempt on hisFather’s Life—The Medici in the City—Both Factions appeal to Arms—Indecisionof the Leaders—Negotiations and Defection—Luca Pitti andthe Medici—Failure of the Conspiracy and Banishment of its Leaders—Endof Luca Pitti | [179] |
| CHAPTER III. | |
| FOREIGN AFFAIRS. FRANCE, VENICE, THE ROMAGNA. THE WAROF COLLEONE. | |
| The Medici after the Neroni Conspiracy—King Ferrante to Lorenzo—LouisXI. of France and the Medici—The Florentine Exiles and Venice—TheRelations of Venice with Florence—Bartolommeo Colleone—Colleone andthe exiled Florentines—State of the Romagna—The Popes and theDynasties—Relations of the Romagna with Venice and Florence—TheRaccomandati of the Romagna—The Este Counts of Montefeltro andUrbino—The Malatesta of Rimini—The Ordelaffi of Forli—The Manfredi,Alidosi, Sforza of Pesaro—Bologna and the Bentivogli—Sante and GiovanniBentivoglio.—Relations with Florence and the Papacy—Preparationsof the Allies against Colleone—Colleone in the Romagna.—Battle at LaMolinella—Galeazzo Maria Sforza and Venice—Ineffective Meeting of theAllies—Miserable Condition of the Army—Close of the War—Pope PaulII.—End of Colleone and the Florentine Exiles—Attack on Lucrezia de’Medici | [197] |
| CHAPTER IV. | |
| LATTER DAYS OF PIERO DE’ MEDICI. LORENZO’S MARRIAGE. | |
| Battle near Rimini—Robert Malatesta—Finances of Florence—Purchaseof Sarzano—Gay Life amid Financial Difficulties—Position and Life ofLorenzo de’ Medici—Lucrezia Donati—Lorenzo’s Tournament—Lorenzo’sEngagement—Clarice Orsini and her Relations—Lucrezia de’ Medici inRome—Intelligence of Clarice Orsini—Conclusion of the Engagement,and Marriage Ceremony in Rome—Marriage Festival in Florence—Lorenzo’sJourney to Milan to the Christening of Gian Galeazzo Sforza—Deathof Piero de’ Medici, and his Character—Piero’s Relation to hisParty and to the Exiles—King Ferrante and Piero de’ Medici | [222] |
| CHAPTER V. | |
| EVENTS AT HOME AND ABROAD DURING THE FIRST YEARS OFLORENZO’S SUPREMACY. | |
| Nature and Form of the Medici Rule—The Heads of the Medici Party afterPiero’s death—Tommaso Soderini—Council in St. Antonio—Accession ofthe Sons of Piero de’ Medici to the Position of their Father and Grand-father—Positionof Lorenzo before the Party—Appointment of the CivicOfficers—The Electors—Lorenzo assumes the Direction of Affairs—ForeignAffairs—Pope Paul II. and Naples—Alliance between Florence,Naples, and Milan—General Alliance against the Osmanli—Death of PopePaul II | [244] |
| CHAPTER VI. | |
| POSITION AND RELATIONS OF THE MEDICI. | |
| Splendour of the Medici Family—Their Position at Home and their ConnectionsAbroad—The Royal Family of Naples—Ippolita Maria, Duchess ofCalabria—The Queen of Bosnia—Luigi Pulci in relation to the Medici—Pulci’sJourneys and Missions—Camerino and Naples—UnfortunateAttack against Piombino—Galeazzo Maria Sforza and his Wife, Bona ofSavoy, in Florence—Visit of King Christian of Denmark—Giovanni Bentivoglioin relation to the Medici—Proceedings of King Louis XI. andLorenzo concerning King Ferrante of Naples—The Relation of Lorenzotowards his Fellow Citizens—His Manner of Life, Residence in theCountry, and Travels—Madonna Clarice in Umbria and Rome—Visit toZoe Palæologa—Lucrezia de’ Medici in Bagno a Morba—The Death ofMadonna Contessina | [255] |
| CHAPTER VII. | |
| LORENZO DE’ MEDICI IN ROME. PRATO AND VOLTERRA. | |
| Accession of Sixtus IV. to the Papal Chair—Congratulatory Embassy fromFlorence—Lorenzo accompanies it—Disposition of the new Pope—AttemptedInsurrection in Prato—Bernardo Nardi—Connection of Volterrawith Florence—Alum Pits of Volterra—Dispute about Leasing the Alum—Interventionof Florence—Tumult in Volterra—Various Views in Florence—Triumphof the Reigning Faction—Expedition against Volterra—ItsCapture and Sack—Volterra and Florence—Misery of the Volterraneans | [274] |
| CHAPTER VIII. | |
| POPE SIXTUS IV., KING FERRANTE, AND THE MEDICI. | |
| Feelings of Sixtus IV. towards the Medici—Plan for obtaining the Cardinalatefor Giuliano—Cardinal Pietro Riario, Archbishop of Florence—Eleanor ofAragon Este in Florence—Arrival of Cardinal-Archbishop Riario—Beginningof the Misunderstanding between Sixtus and the Medici—DynasticAmbition of the Pope—Girolamo Riario, Lord of Imola—Affairs of theCity of Castello—The Vitelli—Niccolò Vitelli in Contention with thePope—Florence supports the Vitelli—Displeasure of Sixtus at the Policyof Florence—Federigo of Montefeltro, Duke of Urbino, won by the Pope—KingFerrante in the Conflict with Venice and the Pope—Complicationsin the East—Alliance of Florence with Milan and Venice—Alliance ofSixtus IV. with Naples—Uncertain Policy—Second Marriage of KingFerrante | [284] |
| CHAPTER IX. | |
| MILAN, GENOA, AND SIENA. | |
| Cheerful Life in Florence—Tournament of Giuliano de’ Medici—Death ofGaleazzo Maria Sforza—Exertions of Florence on behalf of theDuchess Bona—Roberto da Sanseverino—Parties in Milan—The BrothersSforza—Disturbances in Genoa—Relations of Genoa with France andMilan—Revolt of the Genoese against the Domination of Milan, and itsSuppression—Intrigues of the Brothers Sforza against the Duchess-Regent,and their Banishment—Rupture between the Pope and Lorenzo—FrancescoSalviati, Archbishop of Pisa—Causes of the Animositybetween Lorenzo and the Archbishop—Carlo Fortebraccio ofMontone opposed to Siena—Equivocal Conduct of the Florentines—ThePope and Naples in Favour of Siena—Retreat of Carlo Fortebraccio—TroubledRelations between the Pope, Siena, and Florence | [298] |