16
Supported by the
Popolo
Cosimo was a patrician—a wealthy citizen of the Renaissance era who
gained his status and influence through shrewdness, political savvy, and,
as the disposal of his rival illustrates, ruthlessness. Cosimo was, however,
not a titled aristocrat—a prince or grand duke, for example. Unlike patri-
cians, these aristocrats did not have to work for their wealth and power.
ey were born into the class of nobles that held power in Europe for gen-
erations and, throughout the Renaissance, continued to enjoy the fruits
of the privileged class. And just as Cosimo dealt with his rival, the nobles
of the Renaissance were not above using violent means to hold on to their
authority. Indeed, the Renaissance may have been a time of great advance-
ment in the letters, arts, and sciences, but it was also a time of warfare.
Rich nobles and patricians plotted and schemed to enrich themselves and
had no qualms about using military might to achieve their goals.
Cosimo made many enemies among the wealthy patricians of the
era, but the Medicis were respected by the common people. During the
Renaissance many of the Italian city-states were governed by
Signoria
:
community councils elected by the citizens. Mostly these councils were
composed of wealthy patricians and aristo-
crats, although many councils granted seats
to merchants, professionals such as lawyers,
and representatives of the skilled crafts. Poor
people could expect no representation at all
on the councils.
Even so, under the Medicis tax laws of-
ten favored the commoners—known as the
popolo minuto
, or common people—much
to the anger of the wealthy. When Cosimo’s
father served on the council of Florence, he
pushed through an income tax that favored
the poor and middle class and penalized the rich. When Cosimo sup-
ported similar measures to tax the wealthy, he raised the ire of patricians
and aristocrats yet endeared himself to the commoners. Said the Floren-
tine diplomat, historian, and rival banker Giovanni Villani, “ e Medici
WORDS IN CONTEXT
Signoria
Community councils
that governed many of
the city-states of Renais-
sance Italy; members
were elected, but most
members were wealthy
patricians or nobles.
