Medici

an illustrious family who attained sovereign power in Florence in the 15th century, the most celebrated members of which were: Cosmo de , surnamed the "Father of his Country," was exiled for ten years but recalled, and had afterwards a peaceful and prosperous reign; was a student of philosophy, and much interested in literature (1389-1464). Lorenzo de , the Magnificent, did much to demoralise Florence, but patronised literature and the arts (1448-1492). Other celebrated members of the family were Popes Leo X. , Clement VII. , and Catherine and Mary de Medici ( q. v .).