Medicidinasztia

The Medicidinasztia, also known as the House of Medici, was a prominent Italian banking and political family that ruled Florence from 1434 to 1492 and again from 1512 to 1527 and from 1531 to 1737. The family's name is derived from the Latin word "medicus," meaning doctor, reflecting their origins as apothecaries. The Medici family rose to prominence through their banking activities, which they began in the late 14th century. They established the Banco Medici, one of the first joint-stock banks, which played a crucial role in financing the Italian Renaissance.

The Medici family's political power was consolidated through strategic marriages and alliances. They supported the arts and culture, commissioning works from renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Botticelli. The Medici Palace, a grand residence in Florence, is a testament to their wealth and influence. The family's political control was marked by periods of stability and prosperity, as well as periods of turmoil and conflict.

The Medici dynasty's rule was eventually challenged by the rise of the Florentine Republic in 1494, which led to the exile of the Medici family. They returned to power in 1512, but their rule was short-lived due to the French invasion of Italy. The Medici family regained power in 1531, but their influence waned in the late 17th century. The dynasty came to an end in 1737 with the death of Gian Gastone de' Medici, the last male heir. The Medici family's legacy continues to influence Italian history and culture, with their name and symbols still widely recognized today.