Timeline: The time around the creation of the Medici Villas and Gardens by Emma Clark

14th Century: The Renaissance starts in Italy

emmaclark27_1 — 2024-05-07 23:40:08 UTC

The Renaissance was from the 14th to 17th centuries. In Europe, it is known as a time of "rebirth" of art, economy, literature, and ideas. However, in Italy, the Renaissance was not a "rebirth" in these particular areas. Instead, the region struggled with disease, war, and political disruption. Even though Italy faced many upsets during this time, some cites were able to grow rich in trade because of its strong connections and community. Other cities were reliant on feudal lords, which allowed cities to build up their economic and political structure. People in Italy did not want to spend their money or resources on accomplishing new studies or furthering their ideas. Instead, they supported artists (Emmons-Tschen). The Medici Family had a strong contribution to the Renaissance (Emmons).

Image Source: 1492 made by Leonardo De Vinci on Wikimedia Commons.

1547- 1576: Catherine de' Medici has power over the French throne through her marriage and sons.

emmaclark27_1 — 2024-05-08 18:25:58 UTC

Catherine de' Medici becomes the queen and reigns from 1547 until 1576.

Image Source: Between 1547 and 1559 by German Le Mannier on Wikimedia Commons.

2013: The Medici Villas and Gardens become a UNESCO world heritage sight

emmaclark27_1 — 2024-05-10 15:03:57 UTC

In 2013 the Medici Villas and Gardens became a UNESCO world heritage site because of their representation of Italian culture. The Medici villas and gardens were selected to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of three main pieces of criteria they met. The first piece of criteria they met was criterion number two. The Medici villages showed a change in human values on architecture and design in Italy. The second piece of criteria the Medici sites met was criteria number four. This piece of criteria explains that the site must be an exceptional example of architecture on human history. The Medici sites express just that with many examples of outstanding architecture that express parts of the Renaissance. The last piece of criteria that the Medici sites met to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site was criterion number six. Criteria number six explains that this site is associated with beliefs, ideas, and a history of large significance. Considering the Medici Family has an important past, the sites of the Medici easily express this piece of criterion. Therefore, the Medici villas and gardens expressed all three of these pieces of criteria and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site ("Medici Villas").

1397: The Medici Bank is Established

emmaclark27_1 — 2024-05-12 22:10:52 UTC

In 1397, the Medici Bank became present in Florence. Giovanni di Bicci de' Medici brought the bank to Florence after taking ownership of it from one of his cousins. After setting up headquarters in Florence, the Medici's created many branch banks all over to decrease the chance of bankruptcy. After Giovanni de' Mecidi died, the bank was passed down to Cosimo de' Medici, his son. Under his control, the Medici Bank became the largest bank at the time. However, after Cosimo died, the bank started to become less and less successful and eventually vanished. The Medici family is one example of how a family invested in trade and industry to gain social and political power ("Medici Bank").

Image Source: June 6th 2013 by Heralder on Wikimedia Commons.

1550: Boboli Gardens are built

emmaclark27_1 — 2024-05-12 23:05:22 UTC

The Boboli Gardens, one of the gardens included in the Medici gardens and villas are located in Florence, Italy. The gardens were built in 1550 by Niccolò di Raffaello de’ Pericoli detto Tribolo to be used as entertainment for the Medici. Today the gardens are a public park and one of the most visited sites of the Medici villas and gardens ("Boboli Gardens").

Image Source: September 19th 2022 by Diego Delso on Wikimedia Commons.