catherinedemedici:܀ history meme ܀ seven dynasties: House of Medici {14 - 18 centur
catherinedemedici: ܀ history meme ܀ seven dynasties: House of Medici {14 - 18 century} (2/7) Originally from Tuscany (where a branch also remained), the Medici family rose in the 14th century, basing themselves mainly in the Republic of Florence through Cosimo de Medici. Their system of banking became the largest in Europe in the 15th century and allowed for them to become one of the most predominate families politically within Italy and abroad - with members becoming cardinals, popes and monarchs. They have become attributed as a dynasty that highlights the Italian Renaissance, making alliances with other houses such as the Sforza, Este, Gonzaga and Visconti and brought about a number of well known and influential men and women from within the family as well as ones under their patronage. Some notable figures: Cosimo de Medici, Lorenzo ‘the Magnificent’ de Medici, Pope Leo X, Catherine de Medici (Queen of France), Isabella de Medici, Marie de Medici (Queen of France). -- source link