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Mar 1, 1348
The Black Death Kills an estimated 30% to 60% of Europe's population
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Sep 27, 1389
Cosimo de' Medici is born in Florence
Cosimo would create the most powerful banking family in Florence -
May 6, 1402
Brunelleschi and Donatello travel to Rome to study ancient Ruins
Brunelleschi and Donatello travel to Rome to study ancient Ruins. The study of classic works would become important in renaissance culture. -
Mar 6, 1461
The Dome of the Florence Cathedral is completed
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Apr 26, 1478
The Pazzi Conspiracy
The Pazzi family attempts to overthow the Medici and put themselves in power. This results in the death of Guliano de Medici. Lorenzo escapes injured. -
Aug 11, 1492
Pope Alexander VI (Rodrigo Borgia) becomes pope
The Borgia were a prominent family from Spain who desired power in Italy. They were enemies of the Sforza and Medici -
Feb 7, 1497
Savonarola creates religous riots in Florence
Savonarola was revered as a prophet by his followers. He became a leader in the city after the Medici were temporarily driven out. He created a widely popular regime which encouraged the destruction of "indecent" art and literature. He would later be executed by a crowd. -
Mar 6, 1502
Leonardo designs several war machines for Cesare Borgia
Cesare uses his father's position as pope to give himself control over the Papal armies -
Apr 16, 1503
Leonardo begans painting The Mona Lisa
finished in 1517 -
Mar 6, 1513
Machiavelli distributes his political book, "The Prince"
Machiavelli believed in the necessity of brutality and tactics to secure power
