A history of Florence 1200-1575. (reprint, 2006).9781405182423 A history of Florence Roman origins Florence was founded in 59 BCE as a settlement for former soldiers and was named Florentia, allotted by Julius Caesar to his veterans in the rich farming valley of the Arno. 1200-1575. (reprint, 2006) Najemy, John M. Blackwell Publishing 2008 515 pages $35.00 Paperback DG737 The city of Florence is idealized i·de·al·ize v. i·de·al·ized, i·de·al·iz·ing, i·de·al·iz·es v.tr. 1. To regard as ideal. 2. To make or envision as ideal. v.intr. 1. by many as the cradle of the Renaissance, a place of art and beauty ruled by enlightened men. Najemy (history, Cornell University) acknowledges the allure of Florence but reminds the reader that the families who supported the arts were also politicians. In the almost four-hundred year span of this book, Najemy takes Florence from a republic ruled by an oligarchy oligarchy (ŏl`əgärkē) [Gr.,=rule by the few], rule by a few members of a community or group. When referring to governments, the classical definition of oligarchy, as given for example by Aristotle, is of government by a few, usually to a Medici Medici, Italian family Medici (mĕ`dĭchē, Ital. mā`dēchē), Italian family that directed the destinies of Florence from the 15th cent. until 1737. princedom in all but name, through anarchy and the theocracy theocracy Government by divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided. In many theocracies, government leaders are members of the clergy, and the state's legal system is based on religious law. Theocratic rule was typical of early civilizations. of Savonarola and back to a quasi-republic and a Medici resurgence. The importance of family alliances among the elite is a continuing thread but Najemy also emphasizes the role of the populace in the politics of Florence. This is a fine balance to art histories that only see Lorenzo de Medici as a magnificent patron and ignoring the intrigues and plots that kept him in power and made the art possible. ([c]20082005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR) |
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