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1401
Lorenzo Ghiberti
Ghiberti wins the commission to sculpt the bronze doors of the Baptistry in Florence, which become a prized treasure of the Renaissance. -
1420
The Papacy
The Papacy returns to Rome after being located in Avignon since 1305, bringing prestige and wealth to rebuild the city. -
1427
Cosimo de Medici
Cosimo de Medici takes over his father's banking business in Florence, using his economic power to consolidate political control within 5 years. -
1447
Pope Nicholas V
Pope Nicholas V ascends to the papal throne and begins transforming Rome into a Renaissance city through construction projects and patronage of the arts. -
1453
The fall of Constantinople
The fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire prompts an exodus of Greek scholars and works of art into the Italian city-states. -
1464
Lorenzo de Medici
Lorenzo de Medici rises to power in Florence, ruling until 1491 and raising the city to the greatest heights of the Renaissance. -
1486
Giovanni Pico della Mirandola
Pico publishes a collection of 900 treatises, but his philosophy conflicts with the Catholic Church and he is declared a heretic, only saved by Lorenzo de Medici's intervention. -
1492
Pope Alexander VI
Rodrigo Borgia becomes Pope Alexander VI, widely known as a corrupt and manipulative pope who schemes for his family's benefit. -
1492
Girolamo Savonarola
The Medici are ousted from Florence by Girolamo Savonarola, who preaches a return to simple faith and leads a popular uprising. -
1503
Pope Julius II
Pope Julius II assumes the papal throne, beginning the Roman Golden Age by reversing moral degradation and rebuilding Rome. -
1526
End of the Papapcy's role
The sacking of Rome by Spanish and German troops ends the Papacy's role as the largest patron of Renaissance art and architecture.