The Great Courses - How the Medici Shaped the Renaissance (2021) Part 5 Lorenzo the Magnificent

The extraordinary Medici family, through a singular exercise of wealth, political ingenuity, and dynastic power, ruled the city-state of Florence for three centuries. Hugely controversial, both in their own time and among later historians and commentators, the list of what they accomplished is nothing short of astonishing – The Medici were entrepreneurs who reached epic success in commerce, and essentially invented the modern banking system, founding an incredibly powerful family bank with branches across the Italian peninsula. – Over the centuries, they amassed a staggering treasure trove of paintings, Egyptian and Etruscan statuary, Renaissance sculptures, furniture, tapestries, books and manuscripts, jewels, and luxury objects of every kind, housed within imposing palaces, villas, country estates, and libraries. – They built political alliances, patronage networks, and structures of family power that allowed them to dominate Florentine politics, civics, and cultural life, earning Florence international influence and a status as the cultural capital of Europe. – They occupied and dominated offices of power, both political and religious, including producing a succession of grand dukes of Tuscany, two queens of France, and the elevation of four members of the Medici family to the papacy. But even beyond their familial prowess and power, their positioning within Florentine society and politics led them to play a key role in the world-changing phenomenon of the Renaissance. This movement in scholarship, art, architecture, politics, and philosophy was rooted in the rediscovery of classical texts and culture, which famously began in Florence. Through their wealth, influence, and patronage, the Medici were instrumental in encouraging humanistic scholarship, along with commissioning iconic works of architecture and countless artistic masterpieces that emblemize the Italian Renaissance. How a single family could have achieved such remarkable and enduring feats and influence is one of the fascinating stories of European civilization. It's a story that resonates far beyond their own time, as the Renaissance, in many ways, laid the groundwork for the later scientific and philosophical revolutions of the Enlightenment. Encounter a Dazzling Story of Dynastic Influence How the Medici Shaped the Renaissance offers you a panoramic look at the colossal achievements, colorful and dramatic history, and significant legacy of the Medici family, set within the context of the groundbreaking political and cultural currents of the Florentine Renaissance. Through the brilliant teaching of Professor William Landon of Northern Kentucky University, a widely published Renaissance scholar, this course presents a far-reaching exploration of one of the most seminal eras in European history. In 12 engrossing lessons, you'll study the remarkable trajectory of the Medici from the late 14th century to 1737, when the Medici dynasty ended. Across that span of time, you'll witness the birth of the Italian Renaissance and the rise of the Medici as an economic powerhouse under founder Giovanni de' Medici. You'll learn how the Medici came to dominate Florence and how they played diverse roles in politics, religion, and culture. See how they remained in power, and you'll study the political upheavals, treachery, assassinations, intrigue, and military actions that characterized the Medici's kaleidoscopic history. Throughout the course, you'll observe the ongoing struggle between Florentine ideals of a republican society and the structures of elite power to which the Medici belonged. You'll observe how the political rule of Florence, both by the Medici and their opponents, was laced with corruption and nepotism. And you'll assess the vastly contrasting views of the Medici that characterized their rule and its aftermath—views that envisioned them as either as leaders of rare brilliance or as oppressive tyrants. The result is a richly illuminating portrait of one of history's most illustrious and influential families. Grasp the Rich Contours of a World-Changing Era ; In charting the arc of the Medici dynasty and its deep impact, you'll investigate core subject matter such as – The Origins of the Florentine Renaissance Grasp how the Renaissance was spearheaded in Florence by a group of genius scholars who looked to knowledge from antiquity for solutions to the problems of their times; note how they resurrected “pagan” thought, political elections, and the notion of republican government in the service of social and cultural progress. – The Rise of the Medici Trace the founding of the Medici family bank by Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici, who rose to occupy multiple governmental offices; observe how Cosimo de' Medici built on Giovanni's foundations to amass vast wealth and power, ultimately bringing the nascent Florentine Republic under Medici domination. – The Medici, the Humanities, and Art Learn how the Medici played key roles in the preserving of classical texts, and the creation of iconic works of art and architecture, such as Florence's fabulous Duomo Cathedral, and masterworks by artists such as Botticelli, Donatello, and Michelangelo; the symbolism in these works alternately affirmed or decried Medici rule. – A Family of Towering Personalities Take the measure of many of the Medici family's outstanding members, from Lorenzo the Magnificent, a political genius of the highest order, and Giovanni de' Medici, the future Pope Leo X, to the reviled Alessandro de' Medici, the “Black Prince,” and Catherine de' Medici, cultural influencer and queen of France. – The Trials and Triumphs of Medici Rule In the litany of tensions—at times, violent—between the Medici and Florentine republicans, witness how the Medici built and rebuilt factions of citizens that supported their rule, and follow the reversals through which the Medici were exiled from Florence and returned to power numerous times, ultimately becoming its hereditary rulers. Professor William Landon's multifaceted knowledge of the era and nuanced insights into the Medici bring the story alive in compelling detail, enhanced by vibrant photos, artworks, drawings, and maps that evoke an extraordinary era. In How the Medici Shaped the Renaissance, you'll explore a richly intriguing historical saga that reveals a pivotal moment in Western civilization.

Part 5 Lorenzo the Magnificent

Delve into the early life of Lorenzo, the most celebrated of the Medici, where he excelled as a poet, author, and diplomat. Grasp how Lorenzo skillfully balanced his obligations to the state with his love of art, family, and fine living. Witness his ascent to become chief advisor to Florence's government, and the political trials that led to a conspiracy and attempt on his life.

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