1464day.year
Cosimo de' Medici
(1386 - 1464)
Italian ruler
Italian ruler
Cosimo de' Medici was an Italian banker and de facto ruler of Florence, founding the Medici political dynasty and becoming a great patron of the arts. As head of the Medici bank, he amassed immense wealth to support civic projects and artistic endeavors. He played a central role in shaping Florentine politics during the early Renaissance.
Born in 1386 in Florence, Cosimo de' Medici inherited the family banking business and transformed it into one of Europe's most powerful financial institutions. He used his economic influence to gain political control of the Florentine Republic, governing behind the scenes as 'Pater Patriae.' Cosimo's patronage funded the construction of architectural landmarks such as the Medici Palace and the San Lorenzo Church. He supported artists like Brunelleschi and Donatello, laying the foundations for the Renaissance in Florence. Despite facing exile in 1433, he returned to power and solidified his family's dominance. Cosimo died in 1464, leaving a legacy of cultural and political achievements that persisted through subsequent generations.
1464
Cosimo de' Medici