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The Emergence Of The Medicis
Home » Italy » Florence Overview and History » The Emergence Of The MedicisPosted by Your Guide on May 4, 2006 7:07 PM
During this period, Florence was emerging as one of the region’s economic leaders. Florentine residents acted as bankers to the papacy, even instituting an early system of credit. The first gold florin was coined in A.D. 1252, establishing a new system of currency that eclipsed the typical silver of the day. Florentine gold florin had such a high reputation that counterfeits created by king and popes became commonplace. This economic force led to a construction boom, and palaces and basilicas were built, enlarged, and refurbished.
The success laid the foundation for one of the most influential political families in history to rise to power: the Medicis. The Medicis originated from northern Florence, gradually gaining power until Cosimo il Vecchio securely established a foothold in 1434. He was a wealthy banker to the popes, and his power and prestige allowed him to take control of the city, by default rather than war. He was a brilliant politician, highly educated, and a great supporter of the arts.
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