The Godfather of the Renaissance: How Cosimo de’ Medici Took Over Florence

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What are the origins of one of history’s most glittering, and for a time, most powerful families in Europe; the Medici? How were they able to seize supreme power in the Republic of Florence , one of the most dazzling cities in the world, during the 15th century, at the height of the Renaissance? When did Florence’s explosive growth begin, and how? Who was Cosimo Medici, the Godfather of the family, who through cunning, blood, betrayal and sheer will, pulled his family to the forefront of Florentine politics?

Join Dominic and Tom for the first episode of their new series on one of history’s most glamorous, most colourful, most devious, and frequently most dastardly families in history - the Medici - and their rise to the highest echelons of wealth and power in Renaissance Europe.

0:00 Intro
4:53 What was Renaissance Florence like?
15:52 Who were the Medici Family?
20:47 Cosimo de’ Medici
26:05 The Medici’s Rivals
31:13 Cosimo de’ Medici is exiled
35:00 Cosimo returns and takes power
45:44 Money, art and culture

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@holland_tom
@dcsandbrook

Producer: Theo Young-Smith
Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett
Social Producer: Harry Balden
Video Editor: Jack Meek
Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor