Niccolò Machiavelli

Niccolò Machiavelli (May 3, 1469 – June 21, 1527) was a Florentine statesman and political philosopher. As a theorist, Machiavelli was the key figure in realistic political theory, crucial to European statecraft during the Renaissance. His two most famous books, Discorsi sopra la prima deca di Tito Livio (Discourses on Livy) and Il Principe (The Prince), were written in the hopes of improving the conditions of the Northern Italian principalities, but became general handbooks for a new style in politics. The Prince, written to encourage the appearance of a political savior who would unify the corrupt city-states and fend off foreign conquest, advocated the theory that whatever was expedient was necessary—an early example of realpolitik.

Related Topics:
May 3 - 1469 - June 21 - 1527 - Florentine - Statesman - Political philosopher - Theorist - Realist - Political theory - Statecraft - Renaissance - Discorsi sopra la prima deca di Tito Livio - Il Principe - Italian - Theory - Realpolitik

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Machiavelli was born in Florence, the second son of Bernardo di Niccolò Machiavelli, a lawyer of some repute, and of Bartolommea di Stefano Nelli, his wife. His father was from an impoverished branch of an influential old Florentine family.

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From 1494 to 1512, the younger Machiavelli held an official government post. During this time, he traveled to various European courts in France, Germany, and other Italian city-states on diplomatic missions. In 1512 Machiavelli's name was found on a list of 20 persons supposedly involved in a conspiracy to oppose Medici rule. It is likely he had no part in the plot, though he was briefly imprisoned in the Bargello in Florence, just a block from the Palazzo Vecchio where he held office months prior. He was tortured yet maintained his innocence throughout. He was later exiled and returned to Sant'Andrea in Percussina. He died in Florence in 1527 and his resting place is unknown. A symbolic tomb in his honor can be found in Santa Croce.

Related Topics:
1494 - 1512 - France - Germany - City-state - Diplomatic - Exile - Sant'Andrea in Percussina - Santa Croce

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His life can be divided into three periods, each of which constitutes a distinct and important era in the history of Florence. His youth was concurrent with the greatness of Florence as an Italian power under the guidance of Lorenzo de' Medici, Il Magnifico. The downfall of the Medici in Florence occurred in 1494, in which year Machiavelli entered the public service. During his official career Florence was free under the government of a Republic, which lasted until 1512, when the Medici returned to power, and Machiavelli lost his office. The Medici again ruled Florence from 1512 until 1527, when they were once more driven out. This was the period of Machiavelli's literary activity and increasing influence; but he died, within a few weeks of the expulsion of the Medici, on June 21, 1527, in his fifty-eighth year, without having regained office.

Related Topics:
Power - Lorenzo de' Medici - Medici - 1494 - Republic - 1512 - 1527

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