How the Medici Shaped the Renaissance

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Contents 1 General Information 2 Cover 3 Information 3.1 Florence at the Dawn of the Renaissance 3.2 The Foundations of Medici Greatness 3.3 The Godfather: Cosimo de Medici 3.4 The Gouty: Piero de Medici 3.5 Lorenzo the Magnificent 3.6 Magnificence Achieved 3.7 The First Collapse of the Medici Regime 3.8 Theocracy and Republicanism at Florence 3.9 The Medici Restoration 3.10 The Last Florentine Republic 3.11 The Black Prince: Alessandro de Medici 3.12 Cosimo I de Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany 4 Screenshots 5 Technical Specs 6 Links 6.1 Release Post 6.2 Related Documentaries 6.3 ed2k Links

[edit] General Information

Biography Documentary hosted by William Landon, published by The Great Courses in 2021 - English narration

[edit] Cover

[edit] Information

The extraordinary Medici family, through a singular exercise of wealth, political ingenuity, and dynastic power, ruled the city-state of Florence for three centuries. Hugely controversial, both in their own time and among later historians and commentators, the list of what they accomplished is nothing short of astonishing: -- The Medici were entrepreneurs who reached epic success in commerce, and essentially invented the modern banking system, founding an incredibly powerful family bank with branches across the Italian peninsula. -- Over the centuries, they amassed a staggering treasure trove of paintings, Egyptian and Etruscan statuary, Renaissance sculptures, furniture, tapestries, books and manuscripts, jewels, and luxury objects of every kind, housed within imposing palaces, villas, country estates, and libraries. -- They built political alliances, patronage networks, and structures of family power that allowed them to dominate Florentine politics, civics, and cultural life, earning Florence international influence and a status as the cultural capital of Europe. -- They occupied and dominated offices of power, both political and religious, including producing a succession of grand dukes of Tuscany, two queens of France, and the elevation of four members of the Medici family to the papacy. But even beyond their familial prowess and power, their positioning within Florentine society and politics led them to play a key role in the world-changing phenomenon of the Renaissance. This movement in scholarship, art, architecture, politics, and philosophy was rooted in the rediscovery of classical texts and culture, which famously began in Florence. Through their wealth, influence, and patronage, the Medici were instrumental in encouraging humanistic scholarship, along with commissioning iconic works of architecture and countless artistic masterpieces that emblemize the Italian Renaissance. How a single family could have achieved such remarkable and enduring feats and influence is one of the fascinating stories of European civilization. It's a story that resonates far beyond their own time, as the Renaissance, in many ways, laid the groundwork for the later scientific and philosophical revolutions of the Enlightenment. Encounter a Dazzling Story of Dynastic Influence: How the Medici Shaped the Renaissance offers you a panoramic look at the colossal achievements, colorful and dramatic history, and significant legacy of the Medici family, set within the context of the groundbreaking political and cultural currents of the Florentine Renaissance. Through the brilliant teaching of Professor William Landon of Northern Kentucky University, a widely published Renaissance scholar, this course presents a far-reaching exploration of one of the most seminal eras in European history. In 12 engrossing lessons, you'll study the remarkable trajectory of the Medici from the late 14th century to 1737, when the Medici dynasty ended. Across that span of time, you'll witness the birth of the Italian Renaissance and the rise of the Medici as an economic powerhouse under founder Giovanni de' Medici. You'll learn how the Medici came to dominate Florence and how they played diverse roles in politics, religion, and culture. See how they remained in power, and you'll study the political upheavals, treachery, assassinations, intrigue, and military actions that characterized the Medici's kaleidoscopic history. Throughout the course, you'll observe the ongoing struggle between Florentine ideals of a republican society and the structures of elite power to which the Medici belonged. You'll observe how the political rule of Florence, both by the Medici and their opponents, was laced with corruption and nepotism. And you'll assess the vastly contrasting views of the Medici that characterized their rule and its aftermath—views that envisioned them as either as leaders of rare brilliance or as oppressive tyrants. The result is a richly illuminating portrait of one of history's most illustrious and influential families. Grasp the Rich Contours of a World-Changing Era ; In charting the arc of the Medici dynasty and its deep impact, you'll investigate core subject matter such as: -- The Origins of the Florentine Renaissance: Grasp how the Renaissance was spearheaded in Florence by a group of genius scholars who looked to knowledge from antiquity for solutions to the problems of their times; note how they resurrected "pagan" thought, political elections, and the notion of republican government in the service of social and cultural progress. -- The Rise of the Medici: Trace the founding of the Medici family bank by Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici, who rose to occupy multiple governmental offices; observe how Cosimo de' Medici built on Giovanni's foundations to amass vast wealth and power, ultimately bringing the nascent Florentine Republic under Medici domination. -- The Medici, the Humanities, and Art: Learn how the Medici played key roles in the preserving of classical texts, and the creation of iconic works of art and architecture, such as Florence's fabulous Duomo Cathedral, and masterworks by artists such as Botticelli, Donatello, and Michelangelo; the symbolism in these works alternately affirmed or decried Medici rule. -- A Family of Towering Personalities: Take the measure of many of the Medici family's outstanding members, from Lorenzo the Magnificent, a political genius of the highest order, and Giovanni de' Medici, the future Pope Leo X, to the reviled Alessandro de' Medici, the "Black Prince," and Catherine de' Medici, cultural influencer and queen of France. -- The Trials and Triumphs of Medici Rule: In the litany of tensions—at times, violent—between the Medici and Florentine republicans, witness how the Medici built and rebuilt factions of citizens that supported their rule, and follow the reversals through which the Medici were exiled from Florence and returned to power numerous times, ultimately becoming its hereditary rulers. Professor William Landon's multifaceted knowledge of the era and nuanced insights into the Medici bring the story alive in compelling detail, enhanced by vibrant photos, artworks, drawings, and maps that evoke an extraordinary era. In How the Medici Shaped the Renaissance, you'll explore a richly intriguing historical saga that reveals a pivotal moment in Western civilization.

[edit] Florence at the Dawn of the Renaissance

Begin 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 historical 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.

[edit] The Foundations of Medici Greatness

Chart 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.

[edit] The Godfather: Cosimo de Medici

Cosimo 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.

[edit] The Gouty: Piero de Medici

Learn 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.

[edit] Lorenzo the Magnificent

Delve 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.

[edit] Magnificence Achieved

Assess 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.

[edit] The First Collapse of the Medici Regime

Examine 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.

[edit] Theocracy and Republicanism at Florence

Relive 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.

[edit] The Medici Restoration

Study 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.

[edit] The Last Florentine Republic

Following 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.

[edit] The Black Prince: Alessandro de Medici

Carefully 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.

[edit] Cosimo I de Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany

Conclude 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.

[edit] Screenshots

[edit] Technical Specs

Video Codec: H.264 CABAC Main@L3.1
Video Bitrate: 1 936 Kbps
Video Resolution: 1280x720
Display Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Frames Per Second: 29.970 fps
Audio Codec: AAC (LC- SBR)
Audio Bitrate: 64 kb/s VBR 44.1 kHz
Audio Streams: 2
Audio Languages: english
RunTime Per Part: 28 min 42 s - 32 min 59 s
Number Of Parts: 12
Part Size: 409 MB - 470 MB
Source: WEB DL
Capper: bonny@Soft Archive

[edit] Links

[edit] Release Post

• MVGroup.org (torrent)

[edit] Related Documentaries

• A Florence, Laurent le Magnifique
• Botticelli, Florence and the Medici
• The Medici - Godfathers of the Renaissance
• The Medici Files
• The Medici: Makers of Modern Art (BBC 1080p)
• Michelangelo: A Film
• Dante: Inferno to Paradise
• The Life of Leonardo da Vinci
• Raphael: The Lord of the Arts
• Marie de Medicis (TV5Monde)

[edit] ed2k Links