Boyd, MauriceStocker, Ronald Paul2019-10-112019-10-1119751975https://repository.tcu.edu/handle/116099117/33556This study examines Piero de Medici and his rule of Florence from 1492 to 1494, with particular emphasis on the events and people influential in his political demise. At the age of twenty-one, Piero became ruler of Florence upon the death of his father, Lorenzo the Magnificent. Florence had been under Medici rule for almost sixty years, prospering as the financial center of Southern Europe. The city-state achieved fame as the focal point of the Italian Renaissance with painters, philosophers, poets, architects, and sculptors finding encouragement and financial support under Medici patronage. From 1492 to 1494 Piero's alliances and intrigues placed Florence in jeopardy. To understand these political developments, special attention is given to individuals who played prominent roles in the crucial events. Lodovico Sforza, ruler of Milan, was the pivotal figure. Fearing that the close relationship developing between Piero and the King of Naples would destroy him, he turned for help to Charles VIII, King of France. Convinced of his legal right to the Kingdom of Naples, Charles joined Lodovico and invaded Italy with one of the largest and best trained armies in Europe. Hoping either to blunt or prevent the ensuing invasion, Ferdinand of Naples and subsequently his son, Alfonso, persuaded Piero to ally with them. Pope Alexander VI also played an important role, first as an enemy of the Naples-Florence alliance and then as an ally. These alliances were unpopular with the Florentine people. For years under Medici rule, Florence and France had held close and important political and economic ties. Under Piero, this special relationship was placed in jeopardy. Adding to the political uneasiness were the sermons and activities of the Dominican Friar, Girolama Savonarola. For years the Friar had preached that God would soon punish wicked Italy and clean the corrupt Church. Through persuasive oratory and fulfilled prophecies, he convinced the Florentines that King Charles of France was God's messenger to carry out the promised retribution. In opposition to Charles, Piero antagonized both the Florentines and Savonarola. But in the last weeks of his reign, Piero realized that his continued opposition to the French was unrealistic and it jeopardized his position within the city. He then altered his stance regarding France and visited the French camp and politically capitulated. Instead of placating the Florentines as he had hoped, his action and terms of the agreement so outraged the populace that they rose up against him. He and his family fled Florence in November, 1494. In the ensuing years he attempted to reclaim his position, but in every attempt he failed.v, 157 leaves, bound : illustrations, genealogical tablesFormat: PrintengMedici, Piero de, 1471-1503Italy--History--1492-1559Florence (Italy)--HistoryTextMain Stacks: AS38 .S75 (Regular Loan)Special Collections: AS38 .S75 (Non-Circulating)