The Renaissance

Cosimo de Medici Inherits the Family Bank and Comes to Power in Florence

Jan 1, 1433

After inheriting most of his wealth and "expertise in buisness' from his father, Cosimo continued to gain political power throughout Florence acting as ambassador. All political questions were discussed in his house.

Lorenzo de' Medici takes over France

Jan 1, 1449

Also known as Lorenzo the Magnificent, he contributed largely to the French art world by paying artists to create master works of it, thus encouraging them. His death marked the Golden Age of Florence.

The Gutenburg Bible is Published

Jan 1, 1450

The Gutenburg Bible was printed by Johannes Gutenburg in Germany. It is unknown exactly how long it took to publish, but it was completed around 1450-1451.

Leonardo Da Vinci is born

Apr 15, 1452

Born in Anchiano, near the Tusacan town of Vinci, the illegitimate son of a local lawyer.

Leonardo Da Vinci Paints "The Last Supper"

Jan 1, 1495

"The Last Supper" is a mural painting that was painted at the Conventof Santa Maria della Grazie, Milan. It depicts the scene of Jesus and his Twelve Deciples at the moment that he tells them that one will betray him.

Rule of Savanrola in Florence

Jan 1, 1495

Girolamo Savanrola was a priest from Ferrara who came into power through preaching and predictions. Savanrola schemed to turn Florence into the "city of god" discouraging the wearing of festive clothes and vanities, holding bon fires burning them. He also encourage the female citizens of Florence to take oaths to become nuns. However he was tortured and killed around a year later as his empire fell apart as he was "excommunicated by Pope Alexander VI in late 1947."

Protestant Reformation

Jan 1, 1500

The Protestant Reformation was when followers broke away from the Catholic Christian Church and began a new branch of Christianity, encourage by Martin Luther, John Calvin and other influential men, also Protestants.

Michelangelo creates David

Jan 1, 1504

"David" by Michelangelo is a 17 foot tal marble statues that depicts the biblical hero, David.

Start of the Reformation

Jan 1, 1517

The Protestant Reformation started around 1517 when Martin Luther published the "Ninety Five Theses". The self-labelled "reformers" objected to "doctrines, rituals, and ecclesiastical structure of the Roman Catholic Church'.

Death of Leonardo Da Vinci

May 2, 1519

Da Vinci died of "unknown" circumstances, although it was most definitely due to natural causes.

The Sack of Rome

May 6, 1527

The Sack of Rome lasted a little over nine months and began when Spanish Catholics and Lutherans under the command of Charles V stormed into Rome and wreaked havoc among citizens, especially people belonging to the Roman Catholic Church, such as priests, nuns and monks.

Death of Michelangelo

Feb 18, 1564

Michelangelo was known as the master of all arts. He was a sculptor, painter, architect, poet and engineer. He was also gay. Michelangelo died of natural causes due to a slow fever.