Renaissance Italy Timeline

Giovanni de Medici Moves to Florence

Jan 1, 1397

The Papal Banker, Giovanni de Medici, moves the headquarters of his bank and becomes immersed in local life such as the arts and lays down the ground work for his upcoming son Cosimo de Medici to power over Florence

Ghiberti Gains the Right to Carve the Northern Doors of Baptisery

Jan 1, 1401

Ghiberti is commisioned the right to carve the northern doors and he takes 28 years to do this.

The Papacy Returns to Rome

Jan 1, 1420

The Papacy, office or headquarters of the Pope, returns to Rome after being in Avignon since 1305. This brings along with it prestige and wealth which is necessary for the city to survive.

Cosimo di Medici takes over his Father's role and Business

Jan 1, 1429

Cosimo de Medici takes over his father's role of running the bank. Within a period of five years he runs the city without any questions.

Pope Nicholas V Ascends to the Throne

Jan 1, 1447

Pope Nicholas V turns Rome into a Renaissance city, undertaking many construction projects and strongly encouraging the arts.

Johann Gutenberg Prints the Gutenberg Bible

Jan 1, 1454

Gutenberg is known for his invention of the printing press in Europe and encourages the age of printed books.

Lorenzo de Medici takes over Power in Florence

Jan 1, 1464

After Cosimo's death in 1464, his first son Piero rules until his death in 1469, then power falls into the hands of Lorenzo, who rules until 1491, raising Florence to its greatest heights of the Renaissance.

Sixtus IV Becomes Pope

Jan 1, 1471

Sixtus IV becomes pope, undertaking many successful projects in Rome, but disgracing the Church.

Rodrigo Borgia becomes Pope Alexander VI

Jan 1, 1492

Alexander VI is well known for corrupting the church and only being pope for the benefit of his family.

Medici Family Evicted from Florence

Jan 1, 1494

Savonarola a popular uprising against the Medici, who are forced to leave Florence.

Ludovico Sforza Allows the French to Invade Italy

Jan 1, 1494

In an attempt to weaken the King of Naples, Ludovico invites the French to invade the Italy by allowing them to pass through Milan.

Pope Julius II Takes over the Papal Throne

Jan 1, 1503

With Pope Julius II incharge it begins the Roman Golden Age. This is the time when Rome and the Papacy really start making a name for its self.

Niccolo Machiavelli Publishes The Prince

Jan 1, 1513

This book is known as the most influentional book aout government for that day and age.

Pope Leo X Takes of the Role of Popo

Jan 1, 1513

Leo X continues the golden age proving that he is a gifted administrator and a dedicated patron of the arts.

The Reformation Begins

Jan 1, 1517

Martin Luther publishers his 95 Theses on the door of the church in Wittenburg, igniting the Catholic Churches fury.

Leonardo da Vinci Dies

Jan 1, 1519

One of the greatest and most ingenious men to live in the Reniassance dies in France

Pope Clement VII Asscends the Throne

Jan 1, 1523

After the leadership of Leo X Pope Clement VII proves that he is a lousy politicians and an even worse decision maker.

The Sack of Rome

May 6, 1527

After Pope Clement VII refuse to grant the Imperial Army ransom they attack the city and take it over in under twelve hours.