A History of Italy

• Leonardo Da Vinci part 2 - from Florence to Milan

  Early Life & EducationBorn illegitimate, Leonardo spent his youth sketching and observing nature.After moving to Florence, he entered the prestigious workshop of Andrea Verrocchio, where he learned not only painting but also the chemistry behind pigments and the mechanics of sculpture and engineering.🎨 Artistic BreakthroughsBy 1472, Leonardo was a member of the painters’ guild and began producing original works.His first known portrait was of Ginevra de’ Benci, and his collaboration on Verrocchio’s Baptism of Christ was so impressive that legend claims the master retired his brush.⚙️ Engineering MindsetLeonardo’s early involvement in lifting Brunelleschi’s massive dome sphere sparked a lifelong fascination with machines and mechanics.He later designed fantastical inventions, from machine guns and tanksto automated kitchen spits and submarines, many adapted from earlier ideas but improved with Leonardo's obsessive precision.🕵️ Scandal & RejectionIn 1476, Leonardo was accused (and acquitted) of sodomy, a charge that tainted his reputation.He also struggled with feelings of inadequacy due to his illegitimacy and lack of formal education, despite building a massive personal library.🤹 From Florence to MilanTired of Florence’s politics and unfinished commissions (like The Adoration of the Magi), Leonardo headed to Milan in 1481.His application letter to Ludovico Sforza emphasized military engineering over painting—positioning himself as the Renaissance’s ultimate multi-hyphenate.🎭 Court Entertainer & InventorIn Milan, Leonardo served as engineer, party planner, set designer, and even hairstylist.He dabbled in robotics, stage effects, and was inspired by thinkers like Ibn al-Haytham, whose work on optics laid the groundwork for Leonardo’s legendary camera obscura prank.👂 Tune in to discover how a restless, illegitimate boy turned into one of history’s most enigmatic polymaths—blending art, science, scandal, and a flair for the theatrical.

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• 191 - Leonardo part 1 - birth of genius

  Starting from reasons to have a good cry, particularly concerning hair, we then head to Vinci, outside Florence in the mid 1400's to witness the birth and early childhood of Leonardo to see the start of some of the characteristics that will accompany him for the rest of his life. We hear about who gave and didn't give him affection and how his status as an illegitimate child was not all for the worst.Here is the link to our generous sponsorhttps://sterlinghe.com/

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• The Lion's last roar and a new religion blooming (1519 - 1521)

  In this episode, we dive into the dramatic papacy of Pope Leo X, exploring his efforts to secure Medici power, his architectural and social reforms in Rome, and his role in the early days of the Protestant Reformation. We track how his favoritism toward Florence shaped papal policy, the challenges he faced with Martin Luther, and the growing religious divide that would soon shake Europe to its core.We also spotlight Leo's political maneuvers in Italy, from annexing Urbino and Perugia to negotiating alliances with the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. And of course, there's a bit of colorful historical storytelling—like Machiavelli getting upstaged by two dogs, and the dramatic origins of Giovanni delle Bande Nere.🧠 What You’ll Learn:How Pope Leo X used the papacy to benefit the Medici family and Florence.His land reform policies that helped Roman farmers.The significance of the Duchy of Urbino and Perugia joining the Papal States.Why Martin Luther’s ideas gained traction—and how Leo X underestimated the Reformation.The impact of the printing press and vernacular language in spreading revolutionary ideas.The cultural comeback of Matilda of Tuscany and her symbolic power in German-Italian relations.The complex political chess match between Pope Leo X, Charles V, and Francis I of France.The death and legacy of Leo X—and how his actions paved the way for future Medici power play

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• 189 - A German priest complains and a new emperor

  Of course! Here's the revised version of the summary show notes with key words and phrases bolded for emphasis:In this episode, we explore the turbulent political and religious landscape of Italy and Europe in the late 1510s—a pivotal prelude to the Protestant Reformation.🔹 Power Shifts in Europe1516: Ferdinand of Aragon dies; Charles of Habsburg inherits Spain.Peace between Charles and Francis I of France stabilizes Italy (Treaty of Noyon).Venice regains its former territories after years of conflict but remains battered by war, fire, and the growing threat from the Turks.🔹 Venetian & Papal AffairsVenice establishes its first Jewish ghetto in 1516.Pope Leo X (Medici) loses his brother Giuliano and elevates his nephew politically at great expense.A conspiracy against Pope Leo is uncovered; Cardinal Alfonso Petrucci is executed, and Leo reshapes the College of Cardinals.🔹 Money, Indulgences, and a BasilicaFacing financial strain from wars and plans to renovate St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo X turns to selling indulgences.Indulgences were marketed as spiritual compensation through charitable donations—often misunderstood as a full forgiveness of sins.🔹 Enter Martin LutherJohann Tetzel promotes indulgences in German lands.In response, Martin Luther writes the 95 Theses (1517), challenging the practice—marking the start of the Reformation.Initially respectful of the pope, Luther’s criticism intensifies over time.Protected by Frederick the Wise of Saxony, Luther avoids papal punishment.🔹 Political UndercurrentsPope Leo X hesitates to act against Luther due to the upcoming Holy Roman Emperor election.1519: Charles of Habsburg, already King of Spain, is elected Holy Roman Emperor, uniting a vast global empire.

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• 187 - The balls are back in town - the Medici return (1503 - 1513)

  Among the many casualties of the battle of Garigliano was Piero de Medici, son of Lorenzo the Magnificent. Piero, previously exiled from Florence for his poor leadership during the invasion of Charles VIII in 1494, drowned while trying to escape the battle. His body was found and buried at Montecassino Abbey, under the protection of his brother, Cardinal Giovanni de Medici.Florence in TransitionAfter the fall of Girolamo Savonarola, Florence entered a period of unstable governance:Two major factions emerged: the Ottimati (traditional elite) and the Popolari (new rich).Despite nominal control by the Popolari, the Ottimati successfully blocked key reforms, such as the introduction of a property tax.Financially weakened by war, Florence made a bold move in 1502 by electing Piero Soderini as Gonfaloniere for life.Soderini, though from an elite family, implemented popular reforms, including capping wedding dowries and improving access to credit.Rise of Cardinal GiovanniThe Medici fortunes began to shift with Cardinal Giovanni de Medici:Tonsured at the age of 8, and made a cardinal at 13 through the diplomatic work of Lorenzo the Magnificent.Giovanni loved classical literature, music, and was known for his love of food.After a brief exile, he returned to Rome, took residence at Palazzo Madama, and regained political influence under Pope Julius II (Giuliano della Rovere).The Return to FlorenceFollowing the War of the League of Cambrai, opportunity struck:In 1512, Giovanni leveraged papal and Spanish military support to pressure Florence.After the brutal Sack of Prato, panic erupted in Florence, and cries of "The Balls!" (a reference to the Medici emblem) filled the air.On September 1st, 1512, after 18 years of exile, the Medici triumphantly returned.Key figures included:Cardinal Giovanni (future Pope Leo X)Giuliano de MediciGiulio de Medici (future Pope Clement VII)Lorenzo de Medici (grandson of Lorenzo the Magnificent)Pope Leo XIn 1513, Cardinal Giovanni became Pope Leo X at the age of 37:Florentines celebrated wildly, with fireworks, bonfires, and public feasting.Lorenzo was positioned to govern Florence under Medici influence, assisted by Cardinal Giulio.Giuliano de Medici...

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