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Niccolò Machiavelli, often synonymous with cunning and ruthless political tactics, is frequently misunderstood. His works, particularly "The Prince," are much more than guides to unscrupulous behavior. They reflect a deep understanding of human nature and political dynamics. This episode peels away the layers of his contentious strategies, unveiling a philosophy deeply invested in the preservation and steadiness of the state. While potentially disconcerting, Machiavelli's counsel is grounded in a pragmatic and unvarnished view of political reality.

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of Machiavelli's political philosophy, setting the stage for discussing the dynamic relationship between virtù and fortuna. We deconstruct the core virtues of strength, capability, and cunning that epitomize Machiavelli's ideal leader, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and practicality in a tumultuous world where ends often justify means. As we juxtapose Machiavelli's advocacy for republican governance with his counsel for princes, we shed light on his admiration for Roman principles, the merits of republics, and the resilient ethos of civic involvement. Listen in as we pay homage to a thinker whose insights continue to resonate five hundred years later.

Resources:
The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli
Discourses on Livy by Niccolo Machiavelli
Thoughts on Machiavelli by Leo Strauss
Machiavelli's Politics by Catherine H. Zuckert

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Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D

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In this episode, we unlock the enigma of Niccolò Machiavelli, the man whose name is a byword for cunning strategy. With the fall of Savonarola as our starting point, we'll traverse Machiavelli's rise from a modest upbringing, through his father's influence and the enlightening force of a humanist education, to his emergence as a master of political philosophy. His written works reveal a character that is at once lyrical and sardonic, an idealist who pragmatically dissected the fabric of power. Through the rich tapestry of his private and public musings, we draw back the curtain to expose the multiple facets of a figure who was a sharp observer of ruthless Florentine politics.

Our narrative weaves through Machiavelli's encounters with the likes of Cesar Borgia and Pope Julius II and the profound political insights they spurred, which crystallized in his seminal work, "The Prince."  Through these historic rendezvous and the evolution of his thoughts, we gain a deeper understanding of a man whose influence on governance and the art of war reverberates through the ages.

Resources:
The Life of Niccolo Machiavelli by Roberto Ridolfi
Machiavelli in 90 Minutes by Paul Strathern
Machiavelli  by Quetine Skinner

Probably the best biography of Machiavelli is the Pulitzer Prize-winning Machiavelli in Hell by Sebastian de Grazia

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Podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/i-take-history-with-my-coffee/
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Comments and feedback can be sent to [email protected].
You can also leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify.
Refer to the episode number in the subject line.

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I Take History With My Coffee is writing a history blog and doing a history podcast. (buymeacoffee.com)

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Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D

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Step behind the curtain of history as we dissect the Italian Wars—a tapestry of strategy and bloodshed that forever altered the landscape of Renaissance Italy. Be prepared to unravel the aftermath of Charles VIII's invasion of 1494, and the relentless dance of power that ensued: Louis XII's ascension and territorial hunger, the Aragonese dynasty's fall in Naples, Ludovico Sforza's dramatic downfall, and the iron resolve of Pope Julius II, the Warrior Pope. Feel the pulse of Venice's tenacity as they reclaim their dominions, and observe the chess-like moves of powerhouses France, the Holy Roman Empire, and Spain. As Florence weaves through the political labyrinthi, and the Holy League forms to challenge French supremacy, our episode paints a vivid portrait of an Italy caught in the whirlwind of its most transformative era. This period of tumult and upheaval will be the backdrop of Machiavelli's most famous work: The Prince.

Resources:
Battles of the Italian Wars 1495-1513
House of Valois
Kings of Spain
Habsburg Dynasty
Duchy of Milan
The Medici
Kingdom of Naples
Key Players 1495-1513

Map of Italy, 1494
The Italian Wars 1494-1559: War, State, and Society in Early Modern Europe by Michael E. Mallett

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I Take History With My Coffee is writing a history blog and doing a history podcast. (buymeacoffee.com)

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Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D

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The spring of 1498 Florence concludes the tumultuous story of Girolamo Savonarola, a man who once held the city in his moral grasp. Journey with us through the fervent streets of a divided Florence, where faith and power collide, leading to a climactic trial by fire that was poised to define Savonarola's legacy. The spectacle captivates a city, but nature intervenes with a thunderous declaration, leaving a legacy of betrayal and a populace swaying from fervent support to vehement disdain. Witness the unraveling of a once unassailable influence, and the subsequent downfall of a figure who sought to reshape the soul of a republic.

Our journey ends with an exploration on whether Savonarola's fiery rhetoric and moral crusade position him as a precursor to the likes of Luther and Calvin or if his influence was a singular blaze that burned bright but fell short of igniting the widespread Reformation.

Resources:
Scourge and Fire: Savonarola and Renaissance Florence by Lauro Martines
Map of Italy 1494
Map of Florence 

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Comments and feedback can be sent to [email protected].
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Refer to the episode number in the subject line.

If you enjoy this podcast, you can help support my work to deliver great historical content. Consider buying me a coffee:
I Take History With My Coffee is writing a history blog and doing a history podcast. (buymeacoffee.com)

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Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D

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Step inside Renaissance Florence's tumultuous political and religious landscape, as we unravel Girolamo Savonarola's meteoric rise and dramatic clash with Pope Alexander VI. This episode peels back the layers of Savonarola's profound influence, and the seismic public opinion shifts leading to his eventual downfall. As we chart the enigmatic friar's journey, we dissect his distinctive preaching style—a blend of fiery rhetoric and philosophical depth that captured the hearts of Florence and the keen mind of Niccolò Machiavelli.

We navigate the contentious Florentine politics that provided a backdrop for Savonarola's opposition and controversy. Discover what it meant to be a 'piagnoni'—a follower of Savonarola—and how this group, named with mockery, wore it as a badge of honor. We dissect the pivotal roles of figures such as Francesco Valori, Bernardo del Nero, and the Medici family's ill-fated Piero, offering a vivid portrayal of a city grappling with internal divisions and external pressures. This chapter of history comes alive with tales of papal excommunications, treason, and the fraught political chess game inside Florence's government. By joining us on this episode, you'll experience the intricate dynamics of faith, power, and ambition that forever altered the course of a city and its people.

Resources:
Scourge and Fire: Savonarola and Renaissance Florence by Lauro Martines
Map of Italy 1494
Map of Florence 

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Comments and feedback can be sent to [email protected].
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Refer to the episode number in the subject line.

If you enjoy this podcast, you can help support my work to deliver great historical content. Consider buying me a coffee:
I Take History With My Coffee is writing a history blog and doing a history podcast. (buymeacoffee.com)

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Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D

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The once-great Medici name, synonymous with power and artistry, crumbled under Piero de Medici's rule as he faltered where his father, Lorenzo the Magnificent, had thrived. Listen in as we navigate through the events of his precipitous surrender to Charles VIII and the subsequent exile that left Florence teetering on the brink of a new era. Our narrative casts light on the city's desperate struggle to uphold a republican stance and its fierce determination to keep the Medici from regaining control.

Feel the zeal of Girolamo Savonarola's fiery sermons that echoed through the streets of a city searching for its soul. Our episode walks you through Savonarola's journey from an obscure preacher to the magnetic prophet who championed moral revival during one of Florence's darkest hours. We'll dissect his vehement crusade against decadence and corruption and his central role amidst the French occupation. As we explore Savonarola's rise to influence and his unnerving prophecies of divine retribution, prepare to gain insights into how one man's zealous vision left an indelible mark on Florence's identity and its place in the annals of history.

Resources
Scourge and Fire: Savonarola and Renaissance Florence by Lauro Martines

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Podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/i-take-history-with-my-coffee/
Visit my blog at itakehistory.com and also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.

Comments and feedback can be sent to [email protected].
You can also leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify.
Refer to the episode number in the subject line.

If you enjoy this podcast, you can help support my work to deliver great historical content. Consider buying me a coffee:
I Take History With My Coffee is writing a history blog and doing a history podcast. (buymeacoffee.com)

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Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D

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Our latest episode delves into the seismic events of 1494, as France's quest for Italian dominance under Charles VIII abruptly ended Italy's golden era. We unravel the political machinations that left Italy fragmented for centuries, from the power plays over the Kingdom of Naples to the diplomatic whirlwind orchestrated by figures like Ludovico Sforza and Pope Alexander VI.   The events surrounding Charles VIII's invasion are critical to understanding the broader European power dynamics that would continue to shape the continent for centuries.

The consequences of the Italian campaign were profound. Not only did it signal the end of the Renaissance in Italy, but it also paved the way for the rise of other European powers. The traditional Italian military tactics were no longer effective against the French and Spanish armies, and Italy became the battleground for foreign interests. Yet, the invasion also facilitated the spread of Renaissance ideas northward, planting the seeds for cultural movements across Europe.

Resources:
Map of Italy, 1494
The Italian Wars 1494-1559: War, State, and Society in Early Modern Europe by Michael E. Mallett
The French Descent Into Renaissance Italy 1494-1495, edited by David Abula

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Podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/i-take-history-with-my-coffee/
Visit my blog at itakehistory.com and also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.

Comments and feedback can be sent to [email protected].
You can also leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify.
Refer to the episode number in the subject line.

If you enjoy this podcast, you can help support my work to deliver great historical content. Consider buying me a coffee:
I Take History With My Coffee is writing a history blog and doing a history podcast. (buymeacoffee.com)

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Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D

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This episode delves into the complex relationships among Italian states during the late 15th century.  We'll spotlight the four major regional states outside of Florence.  Venice shifted from a maritime empire to a focus on mainland expansion.  Their long conflict with Milan led to the formation of the Italic League, an intriguing defense against French influence.  We'll focus on the politics and challenges within the Papal States.  In Milan, we chart the rise of Ludovico Sforza and how his strategic alliances and diplomatic efforts catapulted him to power.  We'll also shed light on the Kingdom of Naples and King Ferrante's unsteady relationship with the rest of Italy.  The episode climaxes with heightened tensions between Milan and Naples, whose resolution will have far-reaching consequences for the Italian peninsula.  So grab your espresso, and join us as we traverse the enthralling political affairs of late 15th-century Italy.

Map of Italy, 1494 

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Comments and feedback can be sent to [email protected].
You can also leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify.
Refer to the episode number in the subject line.

If you enjoy this podcast, you can help support my work to deliver great historical content. Consider buying me a coffee:
I Take History With My Coffee is writing a history blog and doing a history podcast. (buymeacoffee.com)

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Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D

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Lorenzo de Medici left an indelible mark on Italian politics and economics during a time riddled with conspiracy and war. In this episode, we explore Medici rule in the aftermath of the Pazzi conspiracy, the impact of war on the Florentine economy, and the challenges faced by the Medici Bank under Lorenzo's stewardship. Let's also unravel the intriguing facets of Lorenzo's personal life and his unwavering dedication to his family amidst serious illness. Discover how he masterminded strategic marriages for his children and aimed for a cardinalship for his son - an insider look into Lorenzo's strategic planning for securing his family's future.

In this episode, we also attempt to uncover the mysteries surrounding his deathbed encounter with the controversial preacher Savonarola and how this shaped his disputed legacy. Lorenzo has been accused of tyranny, and his life was marred by intrigue, making his role in the history of Florence a complex one. We'll delve into this ambiguity, bringing you a fresh perspective on a man whose legacy continues to spark debate centuries after his death.

Map of Florence from Paul Strathern's "The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaissance."
Map of Florence (podpage.com)

Resources:
The History of Florence and the Affairs of Italy by Niccolo Machiavelli
The Medici by Ferdinand Schevill
The House of Medici: Its Rise and Fall by Christopher Hibbert
Florence and the Medici by J.R. Hale
The Medici: Godfathers of the Renaiss

Support the show

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Podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/i-take-history-with-my-coffee/
Visit my blog at itakehistory.com and also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.

Comments and feedback can be sent to [email protected].
You can also leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify.
Refer to the episode number in the subject line.

If you enjoy this podcast, you can help support my work to deliver great historical content. Consider buying me a coffee:
I Take History With My Coffee is writing a history blog and doing a history podcast. (buymeacoffee.com)

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Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D

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This episode promises a richer understanding of the Florentine "Golden Age" marked by the prolific patronage of Lorenzo de Medici, who fostered an inspiring environment for artists and writers alike.  We will spotlight his significant role in endorsing literature and art and collaborating with the era's most influential figures.  We will also dive into the unique cultural tapestry of Florence, its diversity, and the workings of the artist's workshop.

We will highlight the Medici's two favorite artists.  Verrochio was a multifaceted artist of the Florentine Renaissance whose mastery of materials and interest in geometry and the sciences marked his influence on various fields.  We will then shine a light on the works of Alessandro Botticelli and his distinctive artistic style.  We dissect Botticelli's masterpiece, Primavera, and prepare for a revelation of the complexity of its symbolism tied to Neoplatonism, humanism, and other intellectual currents of that era.

Resources:
Renaissance Florence: The Art of the 1470s by Patricia Rubin
History of Italian Renaissance art: painting, sculpture, architecture by Frederick Hartt

Links to artwork mentioned in the episode:
Artwork of Verrochio
Artwork of Botticelli

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Comments and feedback can be sent to [email protected].
You can also leave a review on Apple Podcast and Spotify.
Refer to the episode number in the subject line.

If you enjoy this podcast, you can help support my work to deliver great historical content. Consider buying me a coffee:
I Take History With My Coffee is writing a history blog and doing a history podcast. (buymeacoffee.com)

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Intro Music: Hayden Symphony #39
Outro Music: Vivaldi Concerto for Mandolin and Strings in D