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Medici in Italy

Definition

The Medici were a powerful and influential family in Florence, Italy from the 13th to the 17th century. They were known for their patronage of the arts, political influence, and banking prowess.

Analogy

Think of the Medici as the "Bill Gates" of Renaissance Italy. Just like Bill Gates used his wealth to fund technological advancements and philanthropic efforts, the Medici used their wealth to sponsor artists and intellectuals, shaping the cultural landscape of their time.

Related terms

Renaissance: A period in European history marking the transition from the Middle Ages to Modernity, characterized by a revival of learning based on classical sources.

Patronage: The support given by a patron (like financial support). In this context, it refers to wealthy individuals or institutions who sponsored artists during the Renaissance.

Banking system: An economic system where banks provide various financial services including lending money and accepting deposits. The Medici family was instrumental in developing this system during their time.