The remarkable Medici family, through a prodigious exercise of wealth, political ingenuity, and dynastic power, ruled the city-state of Florence for three centuries. Hugely controversial, their positioning within Florentine society and politics led them to play a key role in the world-changing phenomenon of the Renaissance. In these 12 engrossing lessons, you'll study the extraordinary trajectory of the Medici from the late 14th century to 1737. You'll learn how the Medici came to dominate Florence and how they influenced politics, religion, and culture. See how they remained in power, and you'll study the political upheavals, treachery, assassinations, intrigue, and military actions that characterized the Medici's dramatic history. In charting the arc of the Medici dynasty and its far-reaching impact, you'll investigate subject matter such as:•The Rise of the Medici: Trace the founding of the Medici family bank by Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici; observe how Cosimo de' Medici built on Giovanni's foundations to amass vast wealth and power. •The Medici, the Humanities, and Art: Learn how the Medici played core roles in the preserving of classical texts and the commissioning of iconic works of art and architecture.•Towering Personalities: Take the measure of many of the Medici family's outstanding members, from Lorenzo the Magnificent, a political genius of the highest order, to Catherine de' Medici, cultural influencer and queen of France. •The Trials and Triumphs of Medici Rule: Follow the reversals through which the Medici were exiled from Florence and returned to power numerous times, ultimately becoming hereditary rulers. William's multifaceted knowledge of the era and wide-ranging insights into the Medici bring the story alive in compelling detail. In How the Medici Shaped the Renaissance, you'll explore a richly intriguing historical saga that reveals a pivotal moment in Western civilization.