The Medici’s were a remarkable political dynasty, banking family and later royal house in Florence, Italy. Over 400 years, two Medici’s became queens of France and three became pope. In the words of Professor Niall Ferguson, however, ‘prior to the 1390s the Medici’s were Florence’s answer to the Sopranos, and were a small time clan notable more for low violence than for high finance.’ What was one example of their then low status in society?
Answer: In a 17 year period, no fewer than five Medici’s were sentence to death by the criminal courts for capital crimes.
Source: The Ascent of Money by Professor Niall Ferguson
