Niccolò Machiavelli

Niccolò Machiavelli was born in Florence, Republic of Florence, to an aristocratic but impoverished family. His father, Bernardo di Niccolò di Michele di Bernardo Machiavelli, was a lawyer and his mother, Bartolomea di Stefano Nelli, was from a well-connected family.

Machiavelli begins his formal education, studying grammar, rhetoric, and Latin. His education was typical for a young man of his social standing, preparing him for a career in the Florentine government or the church.

Machiavelli is appointed Second Chancellor of the Republic of Florence, a significant position in the Florentine government. He becomes involved in diplomatic missions and is sent to various European courts, including those of the French and papal rulers.

Machiavelli is sent on several important diplomatic missions, including to France to negotiate with King Louis XII. These missions provide him with valuable insights into the politics and power dynamics of European courts.

Machiavelli writes 'The Prince,' a political treatise that outlines his views on statecraft and power. The work, though not published until after his death, becomes one of the most influential texts in political philosophy.

Following the fall of the Florentine Republic and the return of the Medici family to power, Machiavelli is dismissed from his position as Second Chancellor. He is subsequently arrested and tortured, but later released.

After his dismissal and release, Machiavelli retreats to his family's estate in Villa Careggi, near Florence. Here, he devotes himself to writing and reflection, producing several of his most important works.

Machiavelli begins writing 'Discourses on Livy,' a more extensive and nuanced work on republican government and the principles of political power. This work complements 'The Prince' and further solidifies his reputation as a political theorist.

Machiavelli is commissioned by the Medici Pope Leo X to write a history of Florence. This marks a partial return to public life, although his influence is not as significant as it once was.

Niccolò Machiavelli dies in Florence at the age of 58. His legacy as a political philosopher and historian endures, with his works continuing to influence political thought and statecraft to this day.