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Episodes
- S1 E1 - Florence at the Dawn of the RenaissanceAugust 12, 202129minBegin by considering the pervasive "Medici Myth" surrounding the illustrious family-the "White" myth, which extols their achievements, and the "Black" myth, which harshly criticizes their influence. Take into account the methods that will be used throughout this series. Also explore the social and political conditions within 14th-century Florence that gave rise to the Renaissance. #HistoryFree trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E2 - The Foundations of Medici GreatnessAugust 12, 202129minChart the extraordinary life of Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici, considered the founder of the Medici family. Learn how Giovanni founded the Medici bank, and rose through banking and government to a position of great wealth and eminence, building a coalition of Florentines dedicated to Medici interests. Observe how the Medici family and bank became a controlling interest in Florentine politics.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E3 - The Godfather: Cosimo de' MediciAugust 12, 202130minCosimo de' Medici, heir to Giovanni, took the reins of the Medici family and its dynasty. Grasp how Cosimo amassed power through patronage of the humanities and financial dealings with government. Witness the crises through which he ultimately dominated the Republic of Florence, highlighting the role of the Duomo Cathedral and the astonishing story of his exile and return to Florence as ruler.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E4 - The Gouty: Piero de' MediciAugust 12, 202130minLearn how Cosimo de' Medici undertook to make Florence the most beautiful city in Europe, commissioning numerous public buildings and masterpieces of art. Then follow the brief reign of his son, Piero, whose skillful navigation of currents of dissent and revolution, aided by the brilliant partnership of his wife, Lucrezia, solidified the foundations of the Medici dynasty.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E5 - Lorenzo the MagnificentAugust 12, 202133minDelve into the early life of Lorenzo, the most celebrated of the Medici, where he excelled as a poet, author, and diplomat. Grasp how Lorenzo skillfully balanced his obligations to the state with his love of art, family, and fine living. Witness his ascent to become chief advisor to Florence's government, and the political trials that led to a conspiracy and attempt on his life.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E6 - Magnificence AchievedAugust 12, 202131minAssess the extraordinary accomplishments and influence of Lorenzo de' Medici, called Il Magnifico. Observe how, excommunicated by the pope and facing vast political challenges and threats of war, he almost single-handedly held Italy peacefully together, balancing the powers of Venice, Milan, Naples, and Rome, while maintaining his family's wealth and its grip on Florence.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E7 - The First Collapse of the Medici RegimeAugust 12, 202129minExamine the extraordinary circumstances of Lorenzo de' Medici's decline and death, highlighting the role of the politically influential friar, Girolamo Savonarola. Follow the highly charged events surrounding Piero de' Medici's assumption of power, and the outbreak of bloody war which ultimately forced Piero and his brothers to flee into exile, ending 60 years of Medici power in Florence.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E8 - Theocracy and Republicanism at FlorenceAugust 12, 202130minRelive the period in which the Florentine Republic was reinstated in a populist revolution overseen by the religious figure of Savonarola. Trace the upheavals that led to Savonarola's fall, and the maneuvering by the Medici in Rome to ally with the papacy and the Spanish. Witness the military actions through which, after nearly 20 years in exile, the Medici returned as rulers of Florence.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E9 - The Medici RestorationAugust 12, 202129minStudy the political landscape of Florence under the direction of the Cardinal Giovanni de' Medici and his younger brother, Giuliano, the secular head of the family. Learn the story of the ensuing conspiracy to assassinate Giuliano, and Giovanni's elevation as Pope Leo X. Observe the internecine struggles within the family culminating with a second Medici pope and the brutal sack of Rome.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E10 - The Last Florentine RepublicAugust 12, 202132minFollowing the expulsion of the Medici from Florence in the wake of the sack of Rome, study the divisions that plagued the final Florentine Republic. Witness the political alliances that led to the siege of Florence by the Holy Roman Emperor, the events ending in the return of the Medici to the city, and the rewriting of the Florentine constitution, naming the Medici as hereditary rulers.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E11 - The Black Prince: Alessandro de' MediciAugust 12, 202132minCarefully consider Alessandro de' Medici, a debauched and cruel ruler. Learn about the "cult of Brutus," a movement that believed in assassination to achieve republican goals, and its connection with the sordid death of Alessandro. Then, encounter his successor, the ruthless and capable Cosimo de' Medici, who further solidified Medici power, as well as Florence's stature and independence.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
- S1 E12 - Cosimo I de' Medici, Grand Duke of TuscanyAugust 12, 202133minConclude with a view of some of the later Medici luminaries. Among them, assess the accomplishments of Cosimo de' Medici, granted the title of Grand Duke; the judicious Ferdinando de' Medici, whose civic and social policies attended a new era of prosperity; and Catherine de Medici, who imported Florentine culture to France as the French queen. Finally, learn about the Medici dynasty's decline.Free trial of The Great Courses Signature Collection or buy
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