
Medici
The Medici were a powerful and influential family in Florence, Italy, during the Renaissance, primarily known for their banking empire and political influence. They played a significant role in the development of art and culture by financially supporting artists such as Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Their wealth enabled them to become de facto rulers of Florence, and they were instrumental in fostering the conditions that led to the Renaissance, a period of great artistic and intellectual achievement. The Medici's legacy includes art, architecture, and advancements in humanism that still resonate today.