Lorenzo de' Medici, Duke of Urbino facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lorenzo II de' Medici |
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| Portrait by Raphael, 1518 | |
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| Reign | 17 March 1516 – 4 May 1519 |
| Predecessor | Giuliano de' Medici |
| Successor | Giulio de' Medici |
| Spouse(s) | Madeleine de La Tour d'Auvergne |
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| Catherine, Queen of France Alessandro de' Medici, Duke of Florence (illegitimate) |
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| Noble family | Medici |
| Father | Piero the Unfortunate |
| Mother | Alfonsina Orsini |
| Born | 12 September 1492 Florence, Republic of Florence |
| Died | 4 May 1519 (aged 26) Careggi, Republic of Florence |
Lorenzo di Piero de' Medici (born September 12, 1492 – died May 4, 1519) was an important ruler in Florence, Italy. He led Florence from 1516 until he passed away in 1519. During this time, he was also the Duke of Urbino.
Lorenzo's daughter, Catherine de' Medici, later became the Queen of France. His son, Alessandro de' Medici, was the first Duke of Florence.
Contents
Early Life and Family
Lorenzo was born in Florence on September 12, 1492. His father was Piero di Lorenzo de' Medici, and his mother was Alfonsina Orsini.
His famous grandfather was Lorenzo the Magnificent. His grandmother was Clarice Orsini.
Becoming a Leader
Lorenzo II became the leader of Florence in August 1513. His uncle, Giuliano de' Medici, gave him control of the government.
Lorenzo was very ambitious. He was made the Captain of the Florentine army. However, he did not like Florence's system of government, which was a republic.
Duke of Urbino
In 1516, when Lorenzo was 24, he convinced his uncle, Pope Leo X, to make him the Duke of Urbino. This started a conflict with the previous duke, Francesco Maria I della Rovere.
During a war over Urbino, Delle Rovere took the city back. But Lorenzo, leading a large Papal army, quickly recaptured it. Lorenzo was hurt during a battle and had to go back to Tuscany.
In September 1517, he got Urbino back through a peace agreement. However, the Medici family only ruled Urbino for two more years. In 1521, the duchy went back to the Della Rovere family.
Marriage and Legacy
On June 13, 1518, Lorenzo married Madeleine de La Tour d'Auvergne. She was the daughter of the Count of Auvergne.
They had a daughter named Catherine in 1519. This daughter, Catherine de' Medici, later became the Queen of France. Her marriage to King Henry II of France was arranged by another Medici Pope, Pope Clement VII.
His Death and Tomb
Lorenzo II died on May 4, 1519, just 21 days after Catherine was born. He passed away after an illness. His daughter Catherine was then raised mainly by the Medici Popes.
Lorenzo II's tomb is in the Medici Chapel in Florence. This chapel is part of the Church of San Lorenzo.
There are two tombs in the chapel with sculptures by Michelangelo. One sculpture is called Pensieroso. Many people believe this sculpture shows an idealized picture of Lorenzo II.
Another sculpture is thought to be of his uncle, Giuliano di Lorenzo de' Medici. Because Lorenzo II shared a name with his famous grandfather, Lorenzo the Magnificent, their tombs are sometimes confused.
Machiavelli's Advice
A famous writer named Niccolò Machiavelli wrote a political book called The Prince. He dedicated this book to Lorenzo. Machiavelli wrote it to give Lorenzo advice on how to keep his power and rule effectively.
See also
In Spanish: Lorenzo II de Médici para niños
- House of Medici
- Medici Chapel
