Lorenzo+di+Medici


 * Lorenzo de Medici**
 * (1449 - 1492)**
 * Italian Statesman****



(Above is a portrait of Lorenzo Medici)

One of the great ruling families of Florence in the renaissance was the Medici family. Lorenzo was known as Lorenzo the Magnificent and he was the most famous Medici. Lorenzo was the son of Peitro and he was the grandson of Cosimo de' Medici. When his father died he become head of the Medici family in 1469. Lorenzo made Florence the most powerful state in Italy and led it to its highest flowering. In his court he had many renaissance artists working. These artists included the famous Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo who are now known world wide. In the year 1478 he defeated attempts by opponents to over throw the Medici. They did this with support with the support of Pope Sixtus lV. This led to the led to assassination of his brother. His name was Giuliano. Macchiavelli called Lorenzo Medici 'the greatest patron of literature and art that any prince has ever been'.