Was there a black Medici?

The ethnic make up of this Medici Prince makes him the first black head of state in the modern western world. Alessandro was born in 1510 to a black serving woman in the Medici household who, after her subsequent marriage to a muleteer, is simply referred to in existing documents as Simonetta da Collavechio.

Was the Medici family black?

The Medici, rulers of Renaissance Florence, are not the most obvious example of a multiracial family. A tradition dating back to the sixteenth century suggests that Alessandro de’ Medici, an illegitimate child of the Florentine banking family who in 1532 became duke of Florence, was the son of an Afro-European woman.

How is Catherine de Medici related to Cosimo?

Catherine de Medici was born into a rich and powerful family that had ruled the Italian city state of Florence since the early 1400s. Under her great-great-grandfather, Cosimo (1389–1464), Florence had become a wealthy and cultured city famous throughout the world for its art and learning.

Why were Medicis expelled from Florence?

The Medici were expelled from Florence from 1494 to 1512 after Piero acceded to all of the demands of invader Charles VIII of France. Before the Medici, the Turks were the only exporters of alum, so Europe was forced to buy from them until the discovery in Tolfa.

Did Cosimo de Medici have an illegitimate child?

The couple had two sons: Piero the Gouty (b. 1416) and Giovanni de’ Medici (b. 1421). Cosimo also had an illegitimate son, Carlo, by a Circassian slave, who would go on to become a prelate.

What ended the Medici family?

The Medici family, also known as the House of Medici, first attained wealth and political power in Florence in the 13th century through its success in commerce and banking. The last Medici ruler died without a male heir in 1737, ending the family dynasty after almost three centuries.

Who was Cosimo Medici wife?

Contessina de’ Bardim. 1415–1464
Cosimo de’ Medici/Wife

How long has the Medici family been in Florence?

Wherever you turn in Florence, you’ll run into traces of the Medici family left over the course of six centuries. Whether you’re a history buff or not, you’ll end up learning something of history because in Florence you’re surrounded by it, everywhere you turn.

Who was the first Black Duke of Florence?

Cherie S. White, BlackAmericaWeb.com. Alessandro De’Medici, a.k.a. “IL Moro,” which stands for “The Moor,” was the first African-American Duke of Florence, Italy and the last member of the Medici family to rule. De’Medici was also the first one to take the title of Duke through ancestry.

When did Alessandro de’Medici become the Duke of Florence?

Alessandro de’ Medici, Duke of Florence. Jump to navigation Jump to search. Alessandro de’ Medici (22 July 1510 – 6 January 1537) called “il Moro” (“the Moor”) due to his dark complexion, Duke of Penne and also Duke of Florence (from 1532), was ruler of Florence from 1531 to his death in 1537.

When did Giovanni de’Medici start the Medici Bank?

In the late 14th century, Giovanni de’ Medici (also called Giovanni di Bicci) started the Medici bank in Florence. It was through this influential role that he was asked to serve in Florence’s governing Signoria.